Golf-lovers will soon be able to practice their swing at a new village driving range.

The proposed range on unused agricultural land at Little Oakley has received tremendous support.

More than 500 letters backing the scheme were sent in to Tendring Council.

And last night councillors unanimously gave it the go ahead.

The 290 metre-long practice range at Little Oakley Hall off Clacton Road will include five driving bays and a workshop.

Roy Caddick (Con, Great and Little Oakley) said: "I do think it will be an asset for Harwich and the villages."

And he praised the applicants for the care they had taken over the scheme.

Principal planning officer Nigel Hebden said although it is within the coastal protection belt, it was felt it could do no harm.

He added by granting permission for three years, it could easily be reversed.

The nearest ranges to the area at the moment are at Clacton or Ardleigh.

Supporters who wrote in said it was a much-needed facility for Harwich and could prove popular for youngsters.

The range which would be 100 metres wide would also be floodlit.

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