New eco holiday centre planned on Sussex village site

Property and business consultants The Substantia Group are seeking planning permission for the development at a disused golf club in Kirdford.

They propose to build an eco-leisure centre with 120 holiday accomodation units, a 50-bedroom spa facility, cafe, restaurant and bar, outdoor sports facilities, wellness centre with a gym, farm shop and garden kitchen at the former Foxbridge Golf Course which ceased trading in 2019.

Substantia first revealed its plans earlier this year and held a public consultation in Billingshurst in May. Now, it says, it has taken residents’ views into consideration before submitting its planning application to Chichester District Council.

The company says that holiday accommodation on the site would have planning conditions in place to secure its ‘leisure only’ use.

A spokesperson said: “Our proposals will see this much-loved community asset revitalised and once again benefiting local residents and visitors alike.

“Should the plans be approved, Foxbridge will cater for a variety of outdoor interests, provide local leisure facilities, and create broad opportunities for collaboration with local producers and services.

"The scheme will generate a range of wider economic benefits, with estimated visitor spending of more than £12m annually with 114 jobs being created on site.”

Substantia says that the development would preserve and enhance the site’s existing natural features, including eight existing ponds, and would enhance conservation across the site through the provision of biodiversity initiatives, rich landscaping, extensive tree planting and the recycling of grey water and rainwater.

"Together this will provide improved connectivity and habitats for the identified species of bats, amphibians and reptiles whilst also achieving water neutrality.” said the spokesperson.

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In response to public feedback, amendments have been made to the original scheme and include road widening along Foxbridge Lane, new tree panting and measures to help protect bats and other wildlife.

Substantia Group chief executive Terry Pullen said: “Throughout this process it has become clear from speaking to residents that the closure of the golf course has led to a real loss of leisure and social spaces for locals to meet and enjoy.

“By creating ‘Foxbridge’ our vision is to deliver a high-quality and nature-led scheme that will deliver real benefits to residents and visitors.”