PLANS for a state-of-the-art golf academy and driving range in Burnley could be bunkered because of strong opposition.

The £750,000 high-tech centre is the brainchild of property developer Steven Potts and includes a short-hole nine-hole golf course in countryside between Red Lees Road, Cliviger, and the River Brun.

But Cliviger Parish Council chairman Edward Heys said today : "We haven't discussed the plans as a parish council yet but I should imagine there will be a lot of opposition to this.

"Many people do not want to see the land developed."

Architect David Griffith has produced plans and a feasibility study for the complex, which have been forwarded to Burnley Council.

Mr Potts, of Hollins Farm, Worsthorne, which is close to the proposed development, said the complex would be targeted at schools and colleges.

He added he hoped it would help towards the improvement and development of all young golfers in the area. His wife's family has owned the land since the 1940s.

The complex , accessed from Red Lees Road, would comprise a 16-bay floodlit driving range, a practice putting green and practice bunkers, two indoor bays, an indoor putting green, indoor reception and storage areas, toilets and the nine-hole par-three course.

Cliviger Recreation and Community Association has backed the proposals and the parish council will discuss them on December 10.