Sussex could soon have a new golf course if Adur Council's bid for an 18-hole pay-and-play course near Shoreham Airport gets the green light.

Planners will make a final decision on Monday on the design by Dave Thomas and Associates for a 6,800-yard course over 120 acres of an 180-acre site just off the A27 between the airport and Grinstead Lane, South Lancing.

If the go-ahead is given, then work is expected to start in March. Completion could be between three and five years.

The project, by New Monks Farm Developments Ltd, has been in the pipeline for at least two years.

On the town plan, the site is allocated for a course and public open space. The original plans were submitted in 2000 and most of the important considerations have already been approved by the planning authority.

The developers had to satisfy the environment agency that archeological factors and ecological points were covered as medieval salt workings were once situated on the land and there is a bird sanctuary nearby.

A landfill operation will be necessary to raise the level of the course and a significant beneficial effect of the drainage work will be to alleviate flooding in properties at Manor Close in South Lancing. In the plan are provisions for footpaths and a cycle way.

Michael Cox, agent for the developers, said an earlier objection by the Shoreham Airport committee, had been withdrawn.

Peter Hurrey, speaking for the consortium funding the course, said 37 acres would be gifted to the local community for playing fields.

Hurrey, 54, is a chartered accountant whose business is in property. He is a member of East Sussex National and a keen golfer.

He used to play football for Eastbourne Town in the Athenian League. He said: "While it is an important meeting coming up on Monday, there may still be some further details before final sanction is given. We are not assuming that everything will go through automatically.

"I think there is a reasonable shortage of pay-and-play courses in the area. Apart from Hill Barn at Worthing there is nothing until the two council-run courses in Brighton and Benfield Valley in Hove.

"One of the problems for society these days is the lack of amenities for the general public. We aim to put that right if successful and hope to attract all ages and particularly youngsters."

No name has yet been given to the course. Hurrey said: "We have been so busy with all the planning and details that we just haven't had time to think about a name. But once the green light is given I think it won't be long before somebody comes up with one."