COUNCILLORS are being recommended not to call for an environmental impact assessment on a hotel's plan to extend its golf course.

The Ramside Hall, at Carr-ville, on the outskirts of Durham, plans to build extra bedrooms on part of its existing 27-hole course in a drive to attract more international tourists.

It also plans to offset the loss of three holes by extending the course by creating a further 12 holes on nearby grassland.

Under planning regulations, the development proposals could be subject to an assessment of their impact on the environment.

But Durham City Council's development control committee will be recommended tomorrow not to call for an assessment to be produced along with a planning application for the scheme.

Environmental services director John Jennings said in a report that the proposals would help the environment.

He said: "I consider the development of an extension to the existing golf course would provide a strong safeguard to the continuing existence of the Green Belt and ensure a sympathetic and environmentally-acceptable use within the Area of High Landscape Value.

"In addition, the development of a golf course here would not only ensure the protection of wildlife habitat but would also greatly enhance these aspects within the site."

Councillors will be told that change of use from agriculture would be in line with Government and European objectives for reducing farm production and consistent with county and city planning policies.