THE committee of a 103-year-old golf course in need of “significant investment” have agreed to negotiate the sale of 22 acres of its land to become a housing estate.

Up to 230 homes could be built on part of Eaglescliffe Golf Club according to campaigners opposing discussions between club bosses and developers.

However, members of its management committee agree that a deal will “leave a sustainable legacy”.

At a meeting held at the club, situated off Yarm Road, in Eaglescliffe,near Stockton, the committee voted 72 per cent in favour of an agreement being reached with developers, Theakston Estates.

A statement from the club said: “The current clubhouse would benefit from upgrading and modernisation, furniture and fittings need replacement, the car park needs resurfacing, the course layout and its length are not satisfactory for the modern game and practice facilities are inadequate.

“The management committee has therefore approached the co-owner of the agricultural land to the south of the 12th green as he is a land developer who had previously expressed an interest in developing part of the club’s land for residential development to determine a way of moving forward.”

However, following the overwhelming vote in favour of the sale last month, several residents living around the 18-hole golf course have expressed their opposition to a new housing development.

Despite no formal planning permission being submitted to Stockton Borough Council over the proposed estate, letters distributed around the Yarm Road area have urged residents to voice concerns.

The letter states: “The residents of this area urgently need to formalise opposition to this scheme otherwise it will happen.

“Submit your letters to Eaglescliffe Golf Club, Stockton Council and local councillors as soon as possible.”

The sale could lead to the club acquiring between 60 and 100 acres of farmland to extend the course to 27 holes.

A new clubhouse would also be built and existing holes and practice facilities would be upgraded.