One of the country’s oldest tennis clubs is being evicted from its home so its multimillionaire landlords can build “luxury properties” on the land.

Badgers in Brighton's Kemp Town formed in 1895 and has just two months left before being booted out by the Chotai family, which owns the land.

It means some 200 members would be without a club while children from Whitehawk who can use the courts in Church Place for free would no longer have a place to play tennis.

Mary Herbert, who joined the club in 2010, says she was distraught when she opened the eviction letter on Thursday, right in the middle of Wimbledon.

“It’s an absolutely devastating blow to the club,” she said.

“I almost burst into tears when I opened the letter. I am devastated. For me personally, I am so fond of the club, it’s just beautiful.”

The Argus understand the Chotai family plans to build luxury homes on the site, with plans to develop the land first announced when the landlords bought the courts around a decade ago.

Badgers was at risk of being without a home in 2018 when it was told the lease would not be renewed, however after a huge amount of public support, the Chotai family backed down.

But this time around, members are fearful the outcome could be different.

“They have always refused to speak with us, so we haven’t tried to talk with them just yet,” said Mary.

“What we need to do is try to convince them to let us stay.

“Last time, due to all the support, they backed down but I can’t say I’m confident that we can convince them this time.”

The Argus contacted Bharat Chotai, who refused to speak with us. We are awaiting a response from the family’s solicitor.

Speaking in 2018, the family said via a statement: “Badgers Tennis Club occupy land which is owned by Kemp Town Tennis Club Ltd.

“Kemp Town Tennis Club Ltd was sold at a substantial premium in 2012 to Chotai Brothers as potential development land by two prominent members of the club who were coaches at the club and running the club.

“Badgers is a private members’ club.

READ MORE: Tennis members in race against time to save historic Brighton club

“At the time, the continuity of the club was uncertain and it was let on a temporary basis, for a number of years, at an affordable rent allowing time to work out the future of the club.

“Chotai brothers have indicated their willingness that if the acquired club land was to get planning permission for development and there was public demand for tennis courts in the area, then they would be willing to help fund tennis courts, open to the public, for example at the council-owned land less than 50 yards from the current club site.”

Badgers Tennis Club was recognised as an asset of community value by Brighton and Hove City Council earlier this year, as it “furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community”.