Councillors were playing politics when they turned down highly controversial plans to redevelop a golf course.

That is the view of Jeremy Sturgess, boss of Twigmarket Lts, which leases and runs Broome Manor Golf Complex.

Members of Swindon Borough Council's planning committee turned down Mr Sturgess's plans to develop the course, which would have seen, among other alterations, artificial football pitches replace three of the nine holes.

There were scores of golf club members and course users objecting to the company’s plans.

Initially reluctant to speak after the meeting Mr Sturgess said: “I think everyone got what they wanted on the night; committee members, despite the officer’s recommendation, clearly did not want to approve plans with such a spirited opposition in the run up to local elections.

“So, they made fools of themselves, Swindon council and the whole planning process generally thus making any appeal inspectors’ decision a probable formality in due course. And all despite the borough solicitor warning members of a likely costs award against the council at appeal.

“Golf club members got the refusal they wanted on their big night so can congratulate themselves - at least temporarily.

“And Twigmarket must remain patient and take the application to appeal where we will request it be overturned as the refusal decision was not made on sound planning grounds.”

Mr Sturgess called for committee members to be better trained in planning law and procedure.

He said: “Basic minimum standards of education and training should be imposed on councillors before they can be allowed to sit on technical committees such as planning.

"Common sense, of which there was scant sign of any at the meeting, is not enough and applicants, who are typically spending vast sums to prepare applications, deserve much better."

But committee member Cutis Flux, who put the rejection motion forward and saw it succeed, disagreed.

He said: “The sheer volume of local residents at the meeting shows the substantial amount of harm and impact this will cause for local residents as well as the users of the golf course, mentally as well as physically.

“The golf course, as it is, gives people of all ages the opportunity to keep fit and active whilst learning or partaking in a sport.  

“We heard from ward members, committee members, residents and local MPs.

"They have all raised concerns of the impact this will cause.

"We must retain a nine-hole course in Swindon, and we must do what we believe is right.

"I had no choice but to propose we reject this planning application.”