An 18-hole golf course could soon make way for 400 homes in a move described as "madness" by some people living nearby.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has received a scoping request from Hawkhurst Golf Club’s owners, Cedar Drive Ltd, in a bid to determine whether or not the site would be suitable for homes and a relief road.

The 45-hectare site was opened in 1968 and currently sits in the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty.

Other key elements of the plans, which are yet to be fully drawn up, include pedestrian and cycle routes along with a community hall and car parking.

The planning process is at a very early stage with just a request being made for an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Despite this a number of neighbours have voiced concerns over the problems that may arise should any building work go ahead in the future at the proposed site off the High Street.

Virginia Whitelaw, who lives in the High Street, submitted an objection to the council.

She said: “This would completely ruin the landscape behind the High Street.

“With already overcrowding in the village and numerous developments in progress; traffic at a standstill; amenities such as the doctors surgery over-subscribed and pollution at a premium, the concept of another 400 houses is nothing short of madness.”

Sadie Dunne, of Copthall Avenue, added the club is a much-needed village asset.

Jonathan Buckwell, a spokesperson for the project, said: “Our initial estimates are the grounds of the golf course could accommodate up to 400 homes with a variety of sizes to meet the needs of different sections of the community including social housing.

“There is also scope within the proposals to provide land for a vibrant new community centre as well as open space and village parking.

“The site offers a unique opportunity for Hawkhurst to meet its housing targets at a location that is at the heart of the village, rather than on surrounding farmland, and with little visual impact...” - Jonathan Buckwell, Cedar Drive Ltd

“The site offers a unique opportunity for Hawkhurst to meet its housing targets at a location that is at the heart of the village, rather than on surrounding farmland, and with little visual impact.”

Public consultations will take place before any application is submitted.

“Its position between two of the main roads into Hawkhurst also makes possible a long-awaited relief road to ease traffic congestion in the centre of the village.”

The council’s response to the Scoping Opinion will determine the types of issues that will need to be addressed as the plans are further developed ahead of any planning application.

Public consultations will take place later this year before any planning application is submitted.