Golf club's 9 hole planning debate

(The website link that was here no longer works) Today's Chronicle reports on the planning argument surrounding Hankelow's Brookfield Golf Club's plans to expand with a 9 hole par three course and a driving range. Borough councillors are being advised by planning officers to approve the scheme. A previous application was turned down last year after Cheshire Wildlife Trust claimed otters, badgers, bats and crayfish lived at the site.

Some residents are worried about traffic problems and Margaret Chapman of Newbridge Farm is quoted as saying that the new course would exacerbate traffic problems on the busy road. She also adds: "There is no screening of driving range buildings and it could cause a reduction in property values." Support for the plans comes from Sarah Thompson of Audlem Road who said: "The application will enhance the area and be an asset to the village."

Golf club owner Allan Reade, who runs the 18 hole course already at Brookfield, and resident professional Rob Ashbrook are pictured in the story and Allan says he cannot understand why people living nearby are trying to stop him. He says: "We are always very sympathetic to the countryside here and it is part of our business to look after it." He has invited people to visit the club and see how things work and show that the plans pose no threat to anyone.

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