The proposal site is a disused former private golf club, 6.45 hectares (15.9 acres) in size, which adjoins The Sphinx Club facilities. The remainder of the site is bordered by residential areas comprised of Siddeley Avenue, Whitworth Avenue, Lowfield Road, Riverlea Road, The Boxhill and The Cornfield.
The privately-owned former golf course, which ceased operation twenty years ago, has been fenced-off from the community for generations. Currently overgrown, the site includes areas of disused land, a club house building and an overflow car park.
The applicants’ vision for the site is to create a new residential neighbourhood, which will include up to 231 residential dwellings, comprising a mix of house types and sizes to meet local needs, including 54 retirement homes for social rent.
The proposed development will also incorporate public open space, which will be fully accessible to all in the community and linked by a series of footpaths and cycleways. A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and play area for children will also be provided.
The proposal will see the creation of new landscaping, helping to integrate the development within the surrounding area and supporting biodiversity through the planting of up to 700 trees, principally comprising native species. An opportunity exists to include creative initiatives as part of the open space and landscaping, for example a wooded trail and play equipment for children.
The proposed development will be served by a new vehicular access formed of a four-armed mini roundabout off Siddeley Avenue, at the junction with Armstrong Avenue.
In summary, Wellington Arch Ltd and The Sphinx Club propose to submit a planning application for the site which would seek to deliver the following:
Up to 231 houses - comprising a mix of types, sizes and tenures including 54 retirement apartments for social rent
Secures the long-term future of The Sphinx Club in the community
A network of public footpaths and cycleways connecting the development to neighbouring residential areas
Provision of landscaped public open space, including a green corridor along the western boundary which could include a wooded play trail
Provision of a children’s play area, multi-use games area, and skate park for community use
It should be noted that The Sphinx Club does not form part of the application site and would continue to operate alongside the proposed development.
The proposal offers significant support for The Sphinx Club, and will help secure the future of the facility through both a financial contribution, as well as a gifting of the freehold interest in both the clubhouse buildings and land. This will help to deliver wider benefits for the local community.
