Chartham Park is to have a lavish makeover by owners Clubhaus.

A planning application was expected to be given the go-ahead this week for health and fitness facilities, including two swimming pools. It kills rumours about Clubhaus disposing of their recent £2.9m acquisition from American Golf (UK).

An assurance that the East Grinstead club will remain a Clubhaus property was given by Guy Buckley, the chief operating executive.

He said: "The chances of our selling Chartham Park are slim and none. There has been mention of our selling some individual assets but those are not core to our business strategy in regard to properties like Chartham Park which we regard as a corporate model."

Two months ago, Clubhaus warned that current trading conditions meant that full year results were unlikely to match last year and some of Chartham's 300-plus members (annual men's sub £1,100) became anxious.

Clubhaus reported an increase of 32 per cent turnover to £19.2m in June. But three months later an impairment review led to a £19.7m write down, mainly in respect of French and German properties.

That helped push the company into the red by £25.3m halfway, compared with a profit of £813,000 at the same time last year , according to City reports.

There had been further speculation before the takeover of Chartham Park about Clubhaus being the subject of a bid. Last month merger talks ended and Dukes Dene, one of the 22 clubs owned in the UK, was sold.

Geoff Watts, captain of Chartham Park, was upbeat this week. He said: "Lately there have been all sorts of rumours, either that Clubhaus is up for sale or is expanding. We were pleased they took over in May and pleased to be rid of American Golf. The main thing that members are bothered about is maintaining the golf course to the standard that it is at present. We cannot hold that against American Golf.

"I have no major complaints. I can only say Clubhaus has been straight with us. I feel the management we have on the ground has done its best for the members. As long as the members get what they are paying for that's fine. There is no panic at all."

The property has great potential for conferences and seminars. The membership catchment area is huge, from the immediate victinity around East Grinstead and is spread throughout Sussex, Surrey and even North London.

John Vinicombe vinisport.features@btinternet.co