BATTLE lines are being drawn over controversial proposals to revamp a golf club in Rayleigh.

Lords Golf and Country Club, in Hullbridge Road, wants to raise parts of the course by up to 4m to make it harder for golfers.

But residents and parish councillors fear the work will lead to large trucks causing congestion in nearby roads.

Hullbridge Parish Council is objecting to the planning application, which has yet to be considered by Rochford District Council.

However, Churchgate, which owns the club, insisted the work would not overburden the roads.

Hullbridge councillor Rosemary Brown has been contacted by residents who are horrified at the proposal.

She said: "It is horrendous. The public are up in arms about it. We are already having problems with the roads around here."

However, Leij Palmer, spokesman for Churchgate, said: "The application is very similar to one that was submitted last year which Hullbridge members resisted on traffic movements, among other things.

"Essex County Council, which is in charge of highways, was fully supportive of the application and we are expecting the same level of support again.

"In terms of highway movements there will not be a problem as the roads have the capacity. There will also be wheel baths for the lorries so the roads are kept clean and safe."

Mr Palmer denied any soil would be coming from the Olympic Games site in Stratford.

He said: "Stratford is too far away. It would not be economical.

"The soil will be coming locally. Every time someone digs a hole for a building, soil comes out and has to go somewhere."

Hullbridge Parish Council clerk Linda Cowan said councillors feared there would be excessive movement of lorries while the work goes ahead.