A PLAN to extend Bidford Grange Hotel and Golf Club has met strong opposition from Stratford Council officers.

The hotel's owners want to extend the building with 70 more hotel bedrooms, two function rooms, a swimming pool and leisure facilities, as well as a new lake.

But the full planning application has been recommended refusal from planning officers, who say the development would "result in a significant increase in the number of private cars" because of limited access to public transport in the rural location.

Officers also state the development, including the lake, would have a harmful effect on the appearance and character of the landscape.

Bidford Grange and Country Club said that the extension would give them the opportunity to enter the "blue chip" conference market, where large companies could take over the complex for conferences and exhibitions.

The applicants also say it will create job opportunities and generate income for Bidford businesses during and after construction.

Bidford Parish Council supports the application but the County Highways Authority has objected saying the application needs a full transport assessment so they can determine whether the plan will contribute to the Local Transport Plan.

Councillors are due to decide on the application's fate at the Avon Area planning meeting tomorrow.