Golf proposal thrown out

Controversial plans to build a £1 million golf academy on the outskirts of Shrewsbury have been scuppered after the scheme was thrown out.

The proposal for the six-hole golf course and 17-bay illuminated driving range at Cruckton had been recommended for refusal by Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council planning officers.

And last night, members of the development control committee voted against the project.

Councillor Tudor Bebb said: "We're not against the principle of a golf academy, it's just that it's in completely and utterly the wro-ng place. There is going to be pollution from the lights and it is very clearly going to affect the local people."

More than 190 people had signed a petition calling for the plans to be refused.

There were also 21 letters of objection against the academy, which would have been at Horton Lodge.

The application included a shop, kitchen, coffee shop and conference room. The proposals also included a 22-space car park, a 10-space staff car park and new access onto the B4386.

Concerns had been raised by Pontesbury Parish Council about the safety of the new driveway, claiming it was onto a dangerous stretch of road.

But applicant Express Golf Ltd said the scheme would have provided training and the pursuit of golfing excellence in the middle of Shropshire. It had the backing of Sport England, The Professional Golfers Association and the Golf Foundation.

A previous proposal was withdrawn by the applicant in June last year to allow it to make changes that the firm claimed would benefit the environment and wildlife.