A GOLF club in Lostock has been given the go-ahead to extend its course despite objections from residents.

Regent Park Golf Club, off Links Road, says the plan will help its junior golf academy become a flagship enterprise to be copied by others.

The extension into green belt farmland to the north and west of the club will see a nine-hole course created for young players near the boundary with St Andrews Road.

It will also involve five existing holes being moved or re-modelled because of flooding problems.

The extension will mean 270,000 cubic metres of material being delivered or taken away over a period of 18 months to two years. The club estimates that 59 lorries will have to reach the site every day via Lostock Lane, Hall Lane and Mill Lane.

The club's plans were approved by Bolton Council's planning and highways committee despite opposition from residents.

Some objected to the likely noise and disruption, pointing out that Hall Lane and Mill Lane were enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

They said the lanes were not suitable for waggons and it would be an accident waiting to happen.

Mike Greenhalgh, chairman of the Lostock Residents Association, said: "Every five minutes we'll have a heavy load passing our properties.

"It's an inappropriate use of green belt and the people who enjoy the benefits will be different from those people who suffer disruption."

But Robin Day, of Regents Park Golf Course Ltd, told councillors: "Since the launch of our junior golf academy some three years ago, we've become the largest junior golf development centre in the north of England.

"We are trying to encourage the youth of Bolton to engage in sport and recreation. We believe the completed centre will become a credit to Bolton and will be copied by other authorities throughout the country."

Planning officers said golf courses were an acceptable use of green belt land and recommended approval of the plan subject to conditions, many relating to the delivery of materials to the site.

Deliveries will be limited to 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 7am to 1pm on Saturday, and any debris spilt on roads will have to be cleared up.

Councillors unanimously approved the scheme. Cllr David Wilkinson said: "You have to find a solution to this kind of golf course problem.

"I hope the conditions will be imposed and that our officers will be vigilant."