A golf course in Thong, near Gravesend that was constructed in 1998 is set to close as moves towards the Lower Thames Crossing get closer.
The Directors of the club have announced that it will close on 31st August as the £8.2bn project is planning to build the road directly across its land. The 138 acre area of land is set to be used for the southern tunnel entrance and new road connecting to the A2/M2, as well as a new public park and open landscaping.
There appears to be some doubt regarding the actual reason for the closure, with Directors stating “uncertainly around the new plans”, whilst they admit that they have “decided to accept an offer for the land currently occupied by the golf course”.
Whilst there has not be a compulsory purchase order (CPO) put on the land, it would seem that the offer to purchase the land has been set at a reasonable level. The owners are not in a position to invest any further into the club with the threat of a CPO hanging over them.
If the Lower Thames Crossing does not go ahead, the land will only increase in value for the new owners and there is a good chance it could end up being used for new housing.
Matt Palmer, executive director on the crossing scheme, said “We are sorry for the impact our proposals would have on the Southern Valley Golf Club, which is unavoidable due to the selection of a route that aims to reduce the impact on nearby homes and sensitive habitats such as ancient woodland.
“We have been engaging with the owners of the land for a number of years and are currently in active discussions with them to reach a voluntary agreement to purchase the land, which we are aiming to complete at a time and in a way that best supports the landowners.”
