A GOLF club owner has told objectors that a plan to build houses on its land could save it from closure.

More than 30 neighbours of Bolton Open Golf Club in Longsight Lane, Harwood, met with the club’s owner Robin Day at Longsight Methodist Church on Friday night to discuss the scheme that has provoked controversy.

They discussed an application by Bolton-based firm Neil Pike Architecture Limited for outline permission to build 16 houses, six apartments with 26 parking spaces.

This would mean the driving range and clubhouse would be demolished.

The consultation deadline has now passed. Two people wrote to Bolton Council in favour of the scheme and 30 people wrote in opposition.

Mr Day bought the land in the 1970s and built up the business into an enterprise that boasted hundreds of members.

But the recession has seen the club’s membership fall to 20 and Mr Day has had to close the driving range. He told the residents: “I’ve lost £120,000, including £60,000 over a six-month period. The club has allowed over 100,000 adults and children to experience golf. We need to do something or we will have to close the club.”

The club is on green belt land and developers will have to demonstrate the project should go ahead because there are special circumstances.

Steve Howarth, of Ashdene Crescent, said: “They will build more properties in that area because they will have gotten a foothold.”

Another man, who lives in Longsight Lane, said: “There are other golf clubs within a three-mile radius.

“If this club is losing so much money, wouldn’t it be easier to close it and for the 20 members that are left to go elsewhere?”

The council planning committee could make a decision at its March 18 meeting where Mr Day and an objectors’ spokesman would be allowed to speak.