CLAIMS that plans to re-shape a golf course will lead to a third phase of a controversial housing development are “pure speculation,” a landowner has said.

Plans have been submitted by Bellway Homes to build 370 homes in two phases off Forest Road in Witham.

A planning application has been submitted to overhaul Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre’s courses to make way for some of the 222 houses in the first phase.

However, Rivenhall Parish Council has objected to the plans, claiming the move will free up more space than is needed and pave the way for a third phase of housing.

Landowner Simon Brice said: “I am not surprised the parish council has objected, it objects to everything I do.

"They have to understand I am losing two-and-a-half holes because of the housing application." 

Parish council chairman James Abbott said the new layout of the course would free up all of the land put forward for housing in Braintree Council’s Call for Sites.

He said: “Mr Brice is moving the course far more than you would need to for the current application.

“Is it a coincidence the new southern boundary of the golf course is exactly the same as the proposed phase three of the land he has submitted to the call for sites?” 

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.