CAMPAIGNERS say plans to build a golf course on farmland – which have been submitted for a third time – will “destroy the character of Edgware”.

Green belt land at the 1,200-year-old Bury Farm, in Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware, could be turned into an 18-hole golf course if plans are approved by Barnet Council.

The plans were originally submitted by Tony Menai-Davis in 2013, but withdrawn in 2014 before being resubmitted again later that year – only to be withdrawn again.

Thousands of people have rallied against the plans, claiming the farm is the “lungs of Edgware” and there are enough golf courses in the area.

Robert Davidson, the co-chairman of the Edgware Town Team, is hoping the plans will be refused.

He said: “I am absolutely against this. The farm is part and parcel of Edgware – it’s been here for as long as I have and hudnreds of years before that.

“We’d be losing the farm which in itself is a loss, but then we’d be losing the open space in exchange for a golf course which nobody wants or needs.

“It’s hard to quantify it, but the farm adds character to the area. We don’t want that destroyed. It’s what makes Edgware what it is. It contributes to Edgware’s personality.”

The proposals will be heard at a planning meeting at Hendon Town Hall, in The Burroughs, next Thursday and have been recommended for approval.

Back when the plans were first submitted, Labour’s GLA member for Barnet Andrew Dismore and Conservative Hendon MP Matthew Offord voiced their concerns.

Previously, the Environment Agency disagreed with the plans and Barnet Council asked Mr Menai-Davis to submit more information before they would consider it.

Mr Davidson added: “Their proposal doesn’t feel very well-orchestrated because it’s been re-submitted a few times. It’s as if they were trying to wear down the opposition.

“There is a golf course nearby on the A41 which has been abandoned for more than 20 years. That proves we don’t need one.

“We will be losing an enormous asset and exchanging it for something nobody really wants.”

If Barnet Council's planning committee approve the plans, Mayor of London Boris Johnson will be required to give final approval. 

Phillip Russell-Vick, who represents Mr Menai-Davis, said: "We are pleased to have the planning officers reccomendations for approval, but we respect the decision is a matter for elected members.

"We look forward to the meeting."

Next week’s meeting will be held at 7pm.