Abandoned South London Golf Course Set for Major Housing Redevelopment
An abandoned golf course on the edge of South London is poised for a dramatic transformation, with plans to build 256 homes and a substantial public park. The former Chessington Golf Centre, located near the Surrey border, has been unused since 2015 and is now the focus of a full planning application submitted by developer Ashill Land Ltd.
Details of the Proposed Development
The 28-acre site, which includes a derelict nine-hole golf course, driving range, and car park, would see all remaining structures demolished to make way for the new development. The proposal includes a mix of housing types, featuring four-storey apartment blocks alongside other residential units. Crucially, 50 per cent of the homes, or 128 units, are designated as affordable housing, addressing local housing needs.
In addition to the residential component, the plans allocate 14 acres for a public park, complete with new trees and pathways designed to integrate the site with the surrounding community. Planning documents emphasize that this park would "provide a significant community benefit for the surrounding area when compared to the existing site that is inaccessible".
History and Rationale for the Project
The Chessington Golf Centre closed its doors in 2015 due to a high concentration of golf courses in the region, leaving the site vacant and deteriorating. The clubhouse was demolished after a fire in 2020, and since then, no interest has been shown by firms to repurpose the land for other sports or leisure activities. Ashill Land Ltd began formulating redevelopment plans in 2018, arguing that the site represents "grey belt" land—a government term for low-quality green belt areas that are previously developed or neglected.
The developer contends that this project will bring a redundant site into effective use, delivering much-needed housing while creating an attractive residential neighborhood framed by green space. According to the documents, the development aims to be a place "where people will aspire to live".
Next Steps and Community Involvement
The local council is currently reviewing the full planning application and will make a decision in due course. Residents still have the opportunity to comment on the proposals via the council's website, ensuring community input is considered before any final approval. This redevelopment marks a significant shift for the area, potentially revitalizing a long-abandoned space into a vibrant, accessible community hub with essential housing and public amenities.
