Uttoxeter Golf ClubNEIGHBOURS to Uttoxeter Golf Club have said they are happy controversial proposals to infill waste at the course have been dropped.
However, they remain cautious with the Wood Lane club still intending to push forward with ‘simplified’ plans in the new year.
The Advertiser revealed last week that the plans to infill around 30,000 cubic metres of landfill to make health and safety improvements at the course were to be withdrawn.
Residents and leaders in the town had reacted angrily to the proposals, particularly the potential lorry movements to the site and a perceived lack of consultation.
Caroline Franklin, whose property neighbours the golf club in Wood Lane, told the Advertiser she was glad that common sense had prevailed.
She said: “We are all very pleased to hear that common sense has prevailed at the golf club at last.
“While such substantial income would enhance the club’s financial situation very considerably, greed cannot be allowed to take precedence over the road safety situation in the neighbourhood and corrupt such a pleasant area.
“These small narrow lanes are just not, and never will be, suitable for the regular use of heavy commercial vehicles.
“We hope the club can prosper and increase membership of a valuable local amenity, and work with its neighbours to enhance the area for everyone, not just a very small minority.
“This application to change a golf course into a dump could never be acceptable in such a beautiful rural location.”
Rachel Langridge, who lives near to the club in Moisty Lane, was relieved to hear the plans had been withdrawn but was still concerned the proposals could still return.
She said: “We are really pleased the plans have been withdrawn. I still can’t quite understand how it got so far though.
“It is still a concern that new plans might still go ahead but hopefully there will be a proper consultation.
“There will still be the same issues in terms of access but at least we should have a chance to properly express our concerns.
“It was all too hush hush this time.”
Chris Trumper, chairman of Uttoxeter Golf Club, said the scale of the plans had been ‘grossly exaggerated’.
He said: “It was never the intention to cause any distress or disruption to the locality and the scale of the plans had been grossly exaggerated
“In the New Year, following full consultation with our neighbours, local businesses and councillors, we will produce a simplified scheme, which will allow the club to move forward.
“The course will be made safer by infilling just the very dangerous ravines and this will help to make the golf course less difficult for potential new/learner golfers.
“We would welcome anyone to come along and have a conducted tour of the golf course to see what a great facility is on the doorstep.”
