CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a holiday park and a shortened nine-hole course at Henlle Golf Club, near Gobowen, have been met with fury by residents in the village.

The application, for stationing 90 holiday lodges with associated roads, drainage and associated works, was put forward to Shropshire Council for a second time, after an initial proposal was turned down in 2020.

Comments objecting to the application on the authority’s planning portal have outweighed supporters by around four to one, with many commenters suggesting the plans do not meet the issues raised when the previous application was rejected.

Nia Pritchard stated that she was 'incredible dismayed' to find the notice of another application and stated that she felt it was not reflective of the reality of placing the 90 lodges on the land.

She added: "It will only lead to further expansion on the site and further planning applications with intent to destroy even more of the precious parkland.

"I am afraid for our wildlife, which will inevitably suffer from the upheaval of construction works and from the damage caused to the environment by the finished development.

"I am afraid for the mental health of our community, and those who have needed, now more than ever, our countryside.

"I am afraid for the future of our landscape and what will be left for our descendants, if we do not do what we can to stop such destruction.

"I am afraid and I am anxious about this application and by the thought of it being approved.

"I do, however, have faith in our council. Our council, who did what was right when faced with the previous application and didn't let our community down."

Stephen Maxwell Hodge also objected, stating: "This application must not succeed.

"There is insufficient road access on single track basically farm roads that are in a terrible condition and liable to constant flooding.

"There is ample provision for hotels, holiday homes, chalets and caravans already...The Lion Quays Hotel and the Lord Moreton Hotel are all within a five-minute drive of proposed development.

"The golf club is well used and if reduced to a nine-hole course will probably loose members no doubt resulting in further requests for even more holiday homes on what is left of the course.

"Access will always be a problem for such a large development, especially with the ludicrous situation of the A483 not being a proper dual carriageway."

Another objector, Sian Jeffels, stated that she felt allowing the development could lead to more road accidents on main roads around Gobowen, while Joanne Follows-Smith objected to the 'nonsensical' claim that it would bring jobs.

She also highlighted a lack of infrastructure and the historical nature of the parkland.

However, support came from Huw Roberts, who stated he was the head greenkeeper at the golf club.

He said: "I believe this new development will not only bring new employment opportunities to the area but also safeguard existing employment of the staff at the golf club.

"The knock-on effect to local businesses, from construction to hospitality, will bring much needed income into the area after the horrors of the last year due to the pandemic."

To comment, head to https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications and search 21/02981/EIA.