A multi-million pound scheme to revitalise a golf course has been left in tatters after councillors unanimously rejected the proposals.

Paul Boon, one of five co-directors of Benfield Valley Golf Course in Hove, is now hoping to find a compromise which would include saving the derelict Grade II-listed barn on the site from deteriorating further.

He said a smaller scale plan might be submitted but some commercial elements would have to be kept in order to pay for the £800,000 barn restoration.

Councillors agreed the barn needed to be restored but said the proposals were not appropriate for the site and would detract from the character of the area.

Mr Boon said: "We are disappointed. The overriding factor seemed to be that the scheme was too large. If it was smaller residents might be more receptive to it.

"I have to make money from it - if I don't there's no way I can find funding for the barn, lights for the pathways or pay for the upkeep of the course."

Mr Boon and his partners have spent thousands on the neglected course since they took it over 18 months ago.

Their vision for its future included a golf shop; a gym with mother and toddler swimming pool; the conversion of the barn into a restaurant venue for weddings; a hotel and chalets providing 58 rooms; a driving range and all-weather sports pitches, which would be used by local schools.

Residents celebrated as the four separate parts of the scheme were thrown out one by one. They had raised concerns that badger setts on the land would be destroyed and the ecology of the downland would be damaged. Mr Boon said their ecological survey found no evidence wildlife would be harmed.

Valerie Axcell, 67, of Sylvester Way, Hove, gave councillors photographs of badgers and foxes in her garden, which backs on to the site. She said: "I am ecstatic the plans have been rejected.

"Something does need to be done with the barn but those plans were just too much."

Part of the golf course is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance and the council wants it included in the South Downs National Park.

Thursday, June 29, 2006