A RAYLEIGH golf club's proposal to reshape its course will be decided by Rochford District Council.

The Lords Golf and Country Club in Hullbridge Road wants to improve its course, but until this week it was not clear whether the district council or Essex County Council would have the final say.

John Whitlock, at Rochford's planning department, said: "Essex County Council has written to us saying it is happy for us to proceed. Our target date for a decision is July 18. I suspect it will go to the development control committee on June 24."

The move was welcomed by Lib Dem district councillor Chris Black, who said local people would have the chance to come to the meeting and give their opinions.

Some neighbours have objected to the proposal, concerned the work involved would put more lorries on surrounding roads. But golf club owner Churchgate says the roads would be able to cope with lorries carrying extra soil to the course.