Villagers have accused developers of using a golf course revamp as an excuse for dumping tonnes of waste on Green Belt land.
Woodland Environmental Ltd has been brought in by Little Hay Golf Course operators Sportspace to breath new life into the venue.
But as part of the works 295,000 cubic metres of inert waste will be trucked in over 18 months to contour the new course.
During a meeting with Bourne End villagers last Tuesday, Woodland Environmental gave assurances that the material is non-reactive, odourless and poses no risk.
At this stage it is not clear how much money will be generated from taking on the inert material but following the meeting Sportspace spokesman Elise Hyslop said: “Any surplus funds that we make are all reinvested in our sites. The money generated from this project will be reinvested back into Little Hay Golf Complex.”
Golf course manager George Reid told the meeting that change is vital for the business to survive. He said the course is not challenging enough for golfers and private courses have slashed their fees.
Under the proposal a more difficult 18-hole course complete with a lake and reservoir for rainwater harvesting would be created along with a driving range.
But golf course neighbours are concerned about lorries using single track Upper Bourne End Lane, which is also used by walkers and horse riders, for access.
Over 18 months around 75 lorries will visit the site each day. Temporary traffic lights and marshals will be put in place to manage the vehicles.
Concerns were also raised at the meeting about the removal of trees. Anthony Hodgson from Woodland Environmental said although 424 trees will be taken out many of these are species that are not native to the area and they will be replaced with 9,491 trees and shrubs.
>{http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/local/little-hay-golf-developers-meet-with-objectors-from-bourne-end-1-5478977|read more about the meeting with residents by clicking here}