A last-ditch attempt to gain planning permission for an 18-hole golf course in the village of Yatton Keynell has been dismissed at appeal.

Planning inspector Richard McCoy has ruled against an appeal to import nearly 148,000 cubic metres of inert waste material to create a par three course on land next to the existing golf academy.

More than 50 residents attended the start of the planning appeal angered by plans to use waste including soil, concrete, bricks and stones to form contours on the course.

Wiltshire Council refused plans to extend the golf academy to incorporate a par three course in July last year, but developers Keep Future Leisure Ltd appealed against the decision.

Inspector Richard McCoy said: “While I find in favour of the proposal in terms of character and appearance, benefits and other matters, these considerations would not be sufficient to outweigh the conflict with policy which seeks to sustainably manage waste operations in the area.”

In opening the appeal planning inspector Richard McCoy said he had received 63 letters and emails of objection to the proposal from residents and parish councillors in Yatton Keynell and Chippenham Without, and three in support.

Objectors received the backing of Lord Tom King, who shared concerns that the golf course would never be completed and that once the waste was moved in the project could be abandoned.

But Mr McCoy said: “From the evidence before me I do not agree with this view as I consider the appellant has demonstrated an intention to construct a golf course within a specified time period.”

The inspector also revealed that the developer's calculations left 94,000 cubic metres of imported waste unaccounted for in their plans.