A CONTROVERSIAL bid to turn a piece of remote heathland near Rake into an 18-hole golf course has returned to the fore.

An application to turn Weavers Down into a heathland golf course has been resubmitted by Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Golf and Country Estate.

Bosses want to develop the 72-hectare site north of Langley Lane because their championship course is becoming too congested.

They insist their plans will not have any adverse effects on the landscape as the site has little agricultural use and has been blighted by fly-tipping.

Approval could also lead to a handful of new jobs and greater income for Old Thorns, according to their design and access statement.

But they are likely to face huge opposition from residents in three different parishes, as the site is common land and a haven for many species.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.