A NINE-HOLE golf course could be developed in Meltham despite opposition from riders and walkers.

W Hague & Son has applied to Kirklees Council to renew planning permission for a golf course on land near Copley House Farm, Slaithwaite Road.

The plans also feature parking and access and a change of use of an agricultural barn to a club house.

Councillors on the Huddersfield area planning sub-committee will make a decision at Huddersfield Town Hall today.

But interest groups have expressed concern.

The British Horse Society and Arrow, a campaign group for rural rights of way, have lodged their objections to the scheme.

In a report to councillors the British Horse Society said: "This scheme will adversely affect riders, both from the road safety of riders going to and using bridleways and from the increase in traffic.

"In addition there is, significantly, a risk of riders and horses being hit by golf balls which would be catastrophic."

Arrow say: "Riders, cyclists and walkers are put in danger by golf facilities, as well as conflicting with golfers."

But planning officers are advising councillors to approve the course, which has already been approved twice before.

Plans have to be resubmitted if development work does not start within five years.

Kirklees planning officer Nick Willock said: "In general terms the proposals are considered to be acceptable; this is an outdoor participatory leisure activity in Green Belt.

"A bridlepath runs through the centre of the course on Deer Hill Edge Road so that the golf course is separated with holes one, two and nine to the south and holes three to eight inclusive in the north.

"Given that there have been no significant changes in policy, approval is recommended for renewal of this planning permission."