Ambitious plans to transform former South Downs golf course
Video report by ITV News Meridian's Andy Dickenson
Ambitious plans to transform a former golf course in the heart of the South Downs have taken a step forward.
Brighton and Hove City Council signed off proposals to convert the 18 hole golf course at a meeting on Thursday.
A private company had been appointed to 'rewild' the area in the spring but have since dropped out.
Councillor Marianna Ebel said: "I want it to be a space that can be enjoyed by everyone in the city. I mean the land belongs to the people of Brighton and Hove and it should be a place for nature, for recreation. It should be a place where we increase bio-diversity and where we give endangered species a place to live and thrive."The greens and fairways are slowly returning to their natural state as chemicals are no longer being used on the land.
The site has already become a haven for ramblers and dog walkers.
The ancient scrub is already attracting insects, adders, dormice and glow-worms.