Residents' concern over golf plan

Some residents of a Leicestershire town say they are concerned about proposals for a golf complex.

Plans for a 400-bedrooom hotel and two 18-hole golf courses on Hathern Road, Shepshed, have been submitted by Edwin De Lisle and Company.

Some people living near the planned development say the agricultural land and walkers' rights of way in the area should be preserved.

Developers claim the investment will bring in jobs and revitalise the town.

'Possible positives'

A joint decision on whether the development can go ahead is due to be made by Charnwood and North West Leicestershire borough councils.

Councillor David Bebbington, from Charnwood Borough Council, said: "One of the grave concerns that people have is the removal of leisure space where people can visit the countryside and the affect on wildlife.

"There are also possible positives... it could bring jobs to the town as well as a much-needed focal point for new business."

Resident Patricia Murphy said the area was "prime agricultural land" and should be saved to help the country produce biofuel.

"We're destroying rainforests all over the world to get palm oil but we can grow bio fuels in our own country.

"We need to protect the good agricultural land we've got.

"We also need to protect the rights of way. If we get this golf course, one of the footpaths is going to become a service road," she said.

Charnwood Borough Council is currently consulting residents on the plans.