LIBERAL Democrat politicians have called for hundreds of homes to be built on a golf course.

The Brighton party has sent a letter to Brighton and Hove City Council housing chief Gill Williams to consider building affordable homes on Hollingbury Golf Course.

The site is currently up for lease, among other golf courses in the city.

The letter to Councillor Williams read: “The current golf course is under used, making a loss for the current

provider, and could be better used for the benefit of the community.

“A mixed usage site could contribute more to the city and help to tackle our housing crisis while opening up better access to the South Downs.”

Beatrice Bass, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hove, believed building homes on the site could house more than 1,000 people.

She said: “The Hollingbury golf course is not meeting the needs of our city.

“It is clear we need innovative ideas that provide more homes.

“The council would miss an opportunity to tackle the housing crisis if it allows the ground to be used for glamping.

“There is little demand for golf or glamping in this area, but we are facing a huge demand for housing.”

But other parties were sceptical of the Lib Dem proposal.

Conservative housing spokeswoman Mary Mears said she was “totally opposed” to development on the course.

“Within the city we need to agree to protect our open spaces,” she said.

“There are plenty of opportunities to build in other places that are not open green spaces.

“We need to think about our health when we consider building on places like Hollingbury.

“It’s not the right way forward.”

Meanwhile a spokesman for the city council said the course’s position in the South Downs national park meant it was not designated for housing.

“The council is committed to tackling homelessness and providing hundreds more affordable homes,” he said.

“City councillors have approved the marketing of Hollingbury as a golf course as well as inviting other leisure proposals.

“These could include an outdoor activity centre, education, or conservation uses such as rewilding.”

Hollingbury and Waterhall golf courses were put on the market for let by the city council last month.

Officials said a fall in season ticket holders had prompted a decision.

Both courses will be leased for 25 years.