A GOLF driving range could be built on farmland in Lower Stretton.

Planning proposals consist of the erection of 20 covered driving bays at Walnut Tree Farm on Northwich Road.

The land lies north to an existing complex of buildings on the farm – which include agricultural buildings for dairy operation, The Hollies Farm Shop, and a range of offices.

Documents state that the applicant now wishes to ‘further diversify’ operations on the site by the creation of an ‘outdoor recreation use’.

Plans for the driving range also consist of an administration building, car parking, landscaping and the diversion of an existing footpath.

The car park will provide 46 car parking spaces including two disabled spaces and two staff spaces.

The intention is for the facility to open for a maximum of 7am to 10pm during the summer months.

No floodlighting is proposed – therefore hours will be reduced during the winter to daylight hours.

Although the site lies within Green Belt land, the plans state: “The use of Green Belt land for an outdoor sports use and the provision of appropriate facilities for such uses are therefore appropriate development in the Green Belt so long as the overall use preserves openness and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it.”