Council leader fights golf plan

THE leader of Warrington Borough Council is opposing a plan to construct a golf driving range on Green Belt land in his ward.
Cllr Terry O’Neill (pictured) said the proposal, for land between Joy Lane and Wrights Lane, Burtonwood would have an unacceptable impact on the Green Belt, result in a loss of space due to car parking and a large building and cause problems on an inadequate road infrastructure.
A former council leader, Cllr John Joyce, has lodged similar objections and there is opposition almost from five nearby residents.
But planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved when it is considered by the borough’s development management committee in the New Year.
Two previously applications have been submitted for the scheme, the most recent being refused in June
On that occasion, the plan was rejected on the grounds it would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt because it would erode openness between the Omega development site and Burtonwood Village and harm the amenities of Fingerpost Farm through noise.
Planning officers say the size of the building proposed has been reduced slightly since the early plan was refused. In addition, mesh fencing is proposed to prevent golf balls straying beyond the fairway.
There would be no external lighting but it was no clear if this would affect the viability of the proposal, particularly during the summer months.