The future of Rookwood is looking a great deal more secure today.

Parish councillors at Broadbridge Heath say the pay and play course near Horsham should be turned into a housing estate.

One councillor claimed that Rookwood, which cost £2m to build, is losing £25,000 a year.

But this drew an instant rebuttal from Chris Dier, director of community development and leisure services at Horsham District Council.

He said: "It is hot air and a closure is most unlikely. Rookwood certainly doesn't lose money.

"On the contrary, the financial surplus from golf fees, catering and shop sales when all operating costs have been taken into account averages £35,000 a year."

He said money from the course helps support other leisure services like the adjacent Warnham Nature Reserve.

Broadbridge Heath councillors are worried about the Local Development Framework which outlines possible building sites. If plans were approved it could mean 1,250 extra houses at Broadbridge Heath.

Locals think Rookwood would be a better location because they say it loses money.

Since Rookwood opened eight years ago, it has enjoyed roaring business.

Golfers come from far and wide to play the challenging 18 holes just off the A24 Horsham bypass.

About 40,000 rounds are played there each year.

It is a success story of which Horsham District Council and operating company British Ensign Golf Ltd are proud.

Dier said: "There is a case to be looked at by the district council with regard to the LDF but the nature reserve's future is made more certain with the financial support provided by the golf course."

Stephen Blake, who manages Rookwood for British Ensign Golf, said the popularity of the course made it highly unlikely that it would be closed to make way for housing.

He said: "We return a significant amount of money to the council and that helps other facilities run by the local authority.

"The course is recognised as one of the best of its type, with users coming from a wide area and not just around Horsham.

"This was recognised two years ago when Rookwood was a regional finalist in a national greens competition.

"We are a very good neighbour of the nature reserve and Rookwood is a busy and successful operation for the council. I cannot see that closing."

Mid Sussex at Ditchling has been acquired by British Ensign Golf.

The company, chaired by Peter Blacker, first owned Slinfold Park and then obtained a management contract at Rookwood.