A PUBLIC inquiry has begun into whether 233 homes can be built on a golf course in Widnes.

Anwyl Homes had applied for permission to construct the properties at Widnes Golf Club, which would also result in the course itself being reduced in size from 18 holes to nine.

The original plans were thrown out by the council last March, with more than 2,000 local residents signing a petition against it. The firm appealed that decision and lodged a new, amended planning application.

But the 13-week period to determine that new application expired and Anwyl lodged an appeal to the Government's Planning Inspectorate on the grounds of ‘non-determination’. This meant the inspector will now have the final say and not the council.

The five day virtual inquiry to determine the application got under way today, Monday, presided over by solicitor Rory Cridland, an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The first day - which was conducted online via Microsoft Teams - saw opening statements from representatives of Anwyl and Halton Borough Council, as well as statements by Halton councillors Andrea Wall and Eddie Dourley.

Speaking on behalf of Anwyl, John Barrett said: “An appropriate golf needs assessment has been prepared which identified the Widnes Golf Club in its current form had a number of significant issues, including the configuration of the golf course itself, its proximity to housing, a dated club house, declining membership and financial viability issues.

“The proposed development provides an opportunity and the financial mechanism to improve the golfing offer at the sight, providing a better quality, more accessible and sustainable golfing venue and facility.”

Speaking against the appeal on behalf of Halton Borough Council, John Hunter told the inquiry: “The current ratio of courses to population within both Halton and a 20-minute drive time is way below the benchmark generally applied in the golf industry, which is one course per 20-25,000 head of population, as compared to the existing provision of one to 65,000 in Halton or one to 35,500 within a 20-minute drive time.”

Highfeld councillor Andrea Wall told the inquiry the course was ‘an important piece of green infrastructure'.

She said: “I believe that this green space must be protected for the people of Widnes, we have a duty of care to protect this important piece of green infrastructure for future generations.”

Cllr Eddie Dourley, speaking in a personal capacity as a local resident, added: “We do not need this housing on Widnes Golf Club. This local green space is special to the local community and is demonstrated by the huge numbers who have  put in representations.”