Plans have been approved for more than a dozen homes on the 10th hole of a golf course - helping Deane Golf Club secure its long-term future.

The club has lost dozens of members in recent years while also grappling with the cost of Covid.

It teamed up with developer Ascalon Properties Ltd to apply for planning permission for 14 houses on the site of the 10th hole. The course would be reconfigured to create a different hole for golfers.

President elect Malcolm Woodward told Bolton Council’s planning committee: "This scheme is designed to secure the long-term future for our amateur sports club. The plans have the overwhelming support of our members.

“We are run on a not-for-profit basis. As such all funds received from any land sale must be reinvested into our club. There is no financial benefit to any member or individual.

“We are only proposing to develop a small parcel of land which covers 1.25 hectares of our course in the most logical location.

“The 10th and 11th holes will be reconfigured as part of a plan to increase the overall length of the course making it more challenging and enjoyable to play.

“The reason for the development is to safeguard the long-term future of the golf club.

Cllr Bob Allen said: “The risk of Deane Golf Club ceasing to exist is that the whole of the golf club would then be up for grabs for developers. It’s tremendously important this golf club continues to thrive.

“The houses are in the best location possible to fit in with the Ladybridge estate."