GOLFERS could be tee-ing off in Powick if plans for a nine-hole course go ahead.

An application has been lodged with Malvern Hills District Council for a course at Manor Farm, off Powick's Upton Road. It would incorporate a putting green, children's play area, administration building and storage building.

A similar application was submitted to the council in June but was withdrawn by the applicants to allow for the preparation of an environmental impact assessment on the application site.

The parish council has raised concerns about the maintenance of current wildlife habitats and is asking planners to give careful thought to the proposed entry to the course, which would be opposite homes on a busy main road.

Two residents have raised objections about a perceived potential increase in traffic as a result of the application and what they say is insufficient information given on the scheme. They are calling for a public inquiry into the proposed development.

However, planning officers say the proposal is thought to be in accordance with the development plan policies and represents an acceptable form of development. They are recommending the head of planning services grant permission in consultation with local ward members, subject to more information being received about drainage for each of the nine fairways on the course.

They also suggest this should be after amended plans are submitted showing a bicycle storage area and rubbish and recycling bin storage space.

The scheme is due to come before Malvern Hills District Council's northern area development control committee at its next meeting at 6pm tomorrow.