PLANS for a golf driving range look set to be thrown out.

The £280,000 golf driving range, over 1.3 hectares in Raven Farm, in Cuckstool Lane, Fence, would be on green belt land.

The range, with 10 booths constructed of oak-lapped boards with "blue slate effect" roof, would be open 8am to 8pm throughout the year with the main reception area and toilet facilities sitting to the east of the site.

Developers - listed in the planning application as a Mr and Mrs Clegg - have also proposed a 1.25 acre planting scheme and a small pond alongside a fence running along the northern and western boundaries of the site.

But residents objected to the scheme, which would share the use of the Forest Inn car park, over fears it would over develop the green belt land and increase traffic and access problems.

Objections from Old Laund Booth Parish Council centered on fears the proposal would generate more traffic on an "already busy road", while "inadequate car parking" would "force people to walk along the road without a pavement".

Pendle Council planning officers said the scheme was inappropriate' and recommended that it be turned down when it comes up for decision by the Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee.

In the report officers said: "The application site lies within an area designated as part of the Pendle Green Belt. The development proposed is inappropriate in this location as it would harm the green belt by virtue of the size of the clubhouse and height of the fencing."

The developers had failed to look at more accessible locations or provide adequate access to parking, the council said.

Despite the objections, letters of support were also received, saying the facility was much needed and would keep young people off the street.

Others said it would mean people did not have to travel far afield to find a golf driving range.

A previous application on land adjacent to this site for 20 timber driving bays and fencing for a golf driving range was refused by the council.

Councillors will make the final decision at their meeting on January 31.