A popular golf club near the Mendip Hills could become a major leisure hub for the local area after plans were backed by local councillors.

Farrington Golf Club lies off Marsh Lane in Farrington Gurney, just off the main road between Bristol and Shepton Mallet.

The course's owners, 360 Maple Ltd., applied in April 2024 to expand the sporting facilities offered at the club and build new lodges and eco-cabins within the grounds, allowing people to stay on site overnight.

Somerset Council's planning committee east has now given these plans its backing, with councillors arguing it will bring jobs and investment to the local area.

Under the proposals, the existing 18-hole course will be retained, with a new family putting course being delivered within the site.

An outdoor gym will be provided along with four pickleball courts (three outdoor and one indoor), a cabana and a children's play area.

Away from the course, 48 eco-cabins will be constructed along with nine lodges – with the latter partially replacing caravan pitches within the site.

The clubhouse and driving range will be refurbished and a new maintenance hut and greenkeeper's unit will be built to replace the existing structure (which will be converted into the indoor pickleball court).

An additional 89 car parking spaces will also be provided within the site, including six disabled spaces.

The combined redevelopment is expected to 26 new full-time jobs and up to 42 part-time positions.

Anne Huckle, who sits on Ston Easton Parish Council, spoke against the plans when the council's planning committee east met in Shepton Mallet on February 4.

She said: "To turn a golf course that is established in open countryside into effectively a holiday park is inappropriate.

"We are concerned about noise from traffic, events, additional sporting and play activities, and the accommodation.

"The land is criss-crossed by footpaths which link the nearby villages and woodlands. Construction on this scale will change forever this open landscape.

"We will lose valuable wide open green space for use by residents of every socio-economic group, rather than just those who can afford Farrington Park fees."

Ms Huckle said the golf club had "little respect for the community or the environment", alleging breaches of other planning permission, damage to local hedgerows and local roads being covered in mud from their lorries.

Shaun Hughes, who represents the Midsomer Norton North division on Bath and North East Somerset Council, countered that the redevelopment would help to provide much-needed jobs for local residents.

He said: "For decades, Farrington Golf Club has been an important part of the village and the wider area, in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

"I'm pleased to see an investment which will hopefully secure its future for decades to come.

"At a time where we are seeing huge changes to national planning policy and a reduction in the protection of green spaces, these types of facilities become guardians, protecting areas of wildlife and natural beauty from potential housing developments.

"We are seeing large-scale housing growth on our border, and with that comes more demand for jobs. Currently we have more than 60 per cent of our area commuting out for jobs."

Tony Bevan, a self-described "incompetent golfer" from Shepton Mallet, added: "I think this is a great idea.

"I've played at Farrington Park for the last ten years or so, and got to know the previous owner. He'd put in considerable investments striving to make the golf club viable and profitable.

"He sold it in 2023 to a similarly-minded organisation who would ensure its long-term future. I'm very impressed with their experience, motivation, integrity and friendliness."

Cllr Edric Hobbs said he was "conflicted" by the proposals.

He said: "It would be totally inappropriate to have 30-tonne muck trucks coming out of the Marsh Lane junction onto the A37.

"However, I can also see the benefit of the employment. There's going to be lots of development down the road [in Midsomer Norton] and we need jobs."

Curo won an appeal in November 2024 to deliver 54 new homes on the Underhill Farm site at the western edge of Midsomer Norton, less than three miles' drive from the golf course.

Two developments are currently under construction at the southern edge of Midsomer Norton, comprising 270 homes at the Somer Meadows site on the A367 Green Park Road (being delivered by David Wilson Homes) and 75 homes at the Cherry Blossom View site on Beauchamps Drive (being constructed by Wain Homes).

A planning inquiry will take place later in the year concerning plans for a further 180 homes on the eastern side of the A367, put forward by Persimmon Homes Wessex.

Cllr Dawn Denton said: "We always talk about Somerset being an old county – and what that message sends is: it's not a place to come and have a business, it's not a place to raise a family, it's not a place to stop on holiday.

"This is a way to show we are in support of development and of local business.

"Often people come out [to these meetings] to object – but on our planning portal, there are more statements in support."

After around an hour's debate, the committee voted to approve the plans by eight votes to four.