Golf course targeted for development

A golf course is set to close, with documents showing the council looks likely to sell the site for housing.

Deangate Ridge Golf Course is currently being promoted by Medway Council for possible housing development, just weeks after golfers and wildlife lovers were outraged by work being done to the course.

Critics raised concerns after tractors and other landscaping vehicles were used to destroy the natural woodland surrounding the course in Duxcourt Road, Hoo.

The work was called seasonal maintenance, but some believed it was done to pave the way for a planning application after a £35 million bid for the site.

Medway Council said at the time no offer or decision had been made.

However, a document on Medway Council’s website detailing responses to the Medway Local Plan states: “Medway Council as landowner supports the promotion of the land at Deangate Ridge Golf Course and Sports Complex Hoo, for inclusion within the Medway Local Plan as a housing allocation.”

Dave Harris, head of planning at the local authority, said: “As part of the Local Plan preparation process, the government requires the council to consider a wide range of options and development opportunities across the Medway area and we are encouraged to go to landowners as part of that process.”

However, KM Group has learnt the council is asking members at next Tuesday’s cabinet meeting to vote to close the site.