Land sale sparks concern for Storrington sports club

Concern has been raised following the sale of a piece of land which is home to a village tennis club.

The land currently forms part of Storrington Lawn Tennis Club’s grounds in Greyfriars Lane, Storrington, and is held by the club on a leasehold arrangement until 2090.

But the club, founded in 1938, could be forced to give up the lease if planning permission is granted for redevelopment of the site.

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Club chairman Ed Feldmanis said the land had been sold at auction for £66,000 and, although the club bid for the land, the pricetag was above the figure that the club thought the land was worth.

He said there was some concern now about what could happen but, he added, “all it means at the moment is that we have a change of landlord.”

The 500-member club has invested heavily in developing the club grounds with a number of courts and floodlights. The club has twice been named ‘Sussex Tennnis Club Of The Year’.

Ed added: “People are concerned but we will just carry on until and unless we hear anything different.

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“It’s a very successful club and is a significant part of the community. It provides wonderful health and fitness opportunties for people but it also provides social opportunities.”

Members range in age from children to retired people.

Auctioneers Clive Emson, which sold the piece of land, said the sale had elicited “tremendous local interest.” Senior auction valuer Sam Kinloch said: “The 1.3 acres parcel is currently let to Storrington Tennis Club on a 99-year lease at a current ground rental of £100 per annum.

“We have been informed that a break clause in the current lease would come into effect in the event of planning being granted for redevelopment of the land.”