VILLAGERS have labelled a dramatic U-turn to give the go-ahead for a large-scale golf course in Wolverley as "disgusting".

Kevin Oliver, spokesman of the protest group set up by Wolverley and Cookley folk against the bid to build an 18-hole and nine-hole course at Lea Castle Farm, said he could not believe approval had been given by planning councillors.

He said: "The schoolchildren who use the footpaths which will run through the course on their way to school are in severe danger of being hit by flying golf balls.

"We are extremely disappointed the views of the community were ignored and I pray I never have to say 'we told you so' when a child is hit by a golf ball."

His reaction follows the decision by Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee to approve the second application from Derbyshire-based Bloor Holdings after its first was thrown out in March last year.

Planning chief Jake Berriman said: "The developer is proposing the clubhouse and car park would be a 9,500 sq ft area which is in line with green belt policy.

"The car park will now cater for 120 vehicles instead of 200, and they have also moved the location of several of the golf holes to avoid badger setts and have proposed different routes for several footpaths."

Cookley district councillor Chris Nicholls, who has disapproved of the plan since it was lodged, spoke of his disgust at the application.

He said: "Mr Berriman has told us this is an 'acceptable' plan, while Councillor Fran Oborski says this is a '49-51 case'.

"Last time round we voted 15-1 against this proposal and it seems only the clubhouse reduction has been adequately dealt with since.

"Nearby residents will be bombarded with golf balls by hackers who will use the nine-hole course and this is a cynical attempt to manipulate the planning system."

However, Mrs Oborski warned if councillors had refused the plan for a second time and then lost the case at a subsequent appeal, the original application would be passed and the council would have lost its right to have the amendments included.