A GOLF club could be sold off to make way for hundreds of new homes, leaving some of its 600 "members with a possible six-figure pay-out, it has been revealed.

Proposals are in the pipeline to build scores of houses on Reading Golf Club in Emmer Green. Reading Borough Council's draft local plan identifies the site as a possible location for up to 130 new homes.

Club chairman Colin Reed confirmed bosses are "actively exploring options to relocate the club" amid a decline in memberships and revenues.

A statement sent to members stated they could be in line for a healthy financial bonus should the site be sold off for development.

The message, sent to the Reading Chronicle by Reading Golf Club, reads: “We would envisage that members could enjoy a financial benefit of a six-figure sum, proportionate to their membership subscription.”

Other golfing clubs in Berkshire which have been sold off for housing include Maidenhead Golf Club and Blue Mountain in Binfield.

Meanwhile, Bearwood Golf Club was shut down after Reading FC bought the site to use as the club's new training ground.

The golf club insists the proposals are at an "embryonic stage" and the process of selling the club would take several years to complete, should they go ahead.

A statement reads: "There is no planning permission in place - nor has planning permission been sought - for any part of our site. We have however taken what we regard as a prudent precaution of attempting to get our site included in the Local Plans for possible future development.

"As other local clubs will testify, golf clubs nationwide are facing challenging times with declining memberships and revenues. We are not immune from these threats to our future.

"In the light of this, and with some large capital expenditure projects on the horizon, we have been considering all options to secure our financial security.

"We are actively exploring options to relocate the club."

Reading East MP Matt Rodda voiced concerns over the proposed scheme, stating traffic would go up 10-fold in Emmer Green.

Members of Emmer Green Residents Association have met with golfing chiefs to discuss the proposals.