Fears over Stone golf course revamp as 6,000 landfill lorries called in
FAMILIES fear a major revamp of a golf course will create traffic chaos.
More than 6,600 lorry-loads of waste material will be used to remodel parts of Izaak Walton Golf Club during a six month period.
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PLANS: Izaak Walton Golf Club.
The golf club, at Cold Norton, near Stone, said the scheme would boost its fortunes following a difficult period, as well as provide a first-class facility for developing young talent.
But some residents living nearby believe the impact on local roads and businesses will outweigh potential benefits.
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Chebsey Parish Council, Lakesedge Residents' Association and a number of householders have sent letters of objection to Stafford Borough Council.
They raise concerns over dust and noise, and say local roads would not be able to cope with the volume of HGV traffic the development would create.
Brian Carter, chairman of Lakesedge Residents' Association, welcomed the fact traffic would be limited between 8am and 5pm on weekdays, and 8am and 1pm on Saturdays.
But in his letter of objection, he said the impact on the local area would still be "unacceptable".
Mr Carter wrote: "Such additional traffic passing through Cold Norton equating to 6,666 heavy goods vehicles using Stone Road to complete the modelling is an unacceptable burden on the Cold Norton community in terms of the adverse effect on the environment in terms of noise and pollution and road safety."
Falling membership and a wet summer left Izaak Walton Golf Club struggling to survive, but an emergency appeal resulted in members raising £70,000.
Club director Richard Britten said the proposed redevelopment would help secure the venue's long-term future.
The scheme, which has been recommended for approval by planning officers, will involve the remodelling of the club's practice ground and the first green.
Among other benefits, this would allow the club to provide a six-hole short course for teaching and competitions for junior golfers.
Landfill specialist Keltbray, which was involved in the development of a golf course at the Rose Bowl cricket ground in Hampshire, has been chosen to carry out the works.
The deal will see the club net something in the region of £50,000, but Mr Britten denied this was the main reason for the project.
Richard Britten said: "The development of youth golf is hugely important to this club at the moment.
"Our club professional has been to schools in the area, introducing youngsters to the sport, and this scheme will help us build on that.
"The project started four years ago when we were looking at the potential for landfill as an income stream.
"We looked at a number of companies but decided to go with Keltbray because of their experience on golf courses.
"The development will undoubtedly benefit both the club and the local area."
Members of the planning committee will discuss the plans on Thursday.
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