PLANS to create an 18-hole golf course on the borders of Widnes and Knowsley look set for the green light despite concerns over loss of wildlife and public rights of way.
A total of 12 letters opposing the proposals by Widnes Golf Club have been sent to planning bosses, with residents fearing loss of countryside and traffic danger.
One resident claims a club house would be situated next to their home and that traffic and noise levels would see a huge increase.
Another feared more noise due to the granting of a late alcohol licence and another said an exclusive membership policy would prevent public use of footpaths.
It has been claimed the land is one of the last remaining rural locations accessible to the public and would ruin enjoyment of the area.
And another letter warned the land is home to a number of bird species, eight claimed to be 'glob-ally threatened', as well as frog ponds where great crested newts could live.
Green Belt loss - including the loss of further open space when the existing club was converted to housing - is also a concern.
But the council does not consider objections by Cronton Gun Club to be a material consideration.
Club members are urging the council to impose a condition to incorporate them into the new development or to be given help to relocate.
A report to the committee suggested there would be no significant road traffic impact once building was complete and, apart from a grade 2 listed building, there are no archaeological sites.
Planning chiefs have suggested measures to reduce impact on wildlife and suggest a landscape and ecological management plan should be imposed as a condition.
It also said existing public rights of way would be maintained.
It said: 'It is not considered that the enjoyment or the accessibility of the countryside would be spoiled as a consequence of this proposal.
'Through planning conditions it is considered that the impacts can be minimised.'
The plans are likely to be approved, subject to conditions, at an October 9 development control meeting.
