MAJOR plans for the creation of a golf course at Clarkes Green, west of Mappleborough Green, looked as if they could well be refused tomorrow by councillors.

The application, made by the Highland Hill Golf Course company, will be discussed by councillors on the Arden Area planning committee but already officers recommend it be refused.

A report for councillors states the proposed access along Hardwick Lane would result in the destruction of valuable hedgerows and trees as well as a pond which has 'ecological value'.

The report states that the site, east of Hardwick Barn, is within the designated Arden Special Landscape Area and as such, the damage to the ecology of the area is unacceptable and earthworks associated with the clubhouse and car park would cause more damage.

Traffic levels along the rural lane would substantially increase as well, seriously harming the character of the lane.

In all, 11 letters of objection to the golf course were received by Stratford Council, including one from somebody worried about stray golf balls causing danger to walkers near the tenth hole.

The golf course would also fall within green belt land and councillors will have to consider whether such a development is appropriate.