A Somerset golf club could have tonnes of landfill dumped on its course to level out three of its holes.

Steve Hill runs Cricket St Thomas Golf Club, located off the busy A30 between Crewkerne and Chard.

Mr Hill has applied to Somerset County Council to allow more nearly 65,000 cubic metres of “clean, inert topsoils” to be imported to the site to “reduce the overall steepness” of the middle section of the 18-hole course.

Mr Hill has said the move would not only improve the playing experience but also allow more tree planting and native meadows to be retained on the course.

The three holes in question lie at the north-western end of the course, which were constructed in 2008.

A spokesman for the club said: “Holes 8, 9 and 10 are the newest holes at the golf club and the least popular due to their exposed nature, steep slope and proneness to waterlogging.

“In Somerset waste policy, there is a general presumption against the disposal of waste; however, planning permission may be granted for inert landfill development subject to the applicant demonstrating that the proposal is restoration-led.

“Remodelling of the golf course could prove an acceptable use of waste soils.”

The golf club originally applied in 2016 to transport nearly 72,000 cubic metres of soil to remodel the course – but these plans were subsequently withdrawn.

The amended proposals will see a total of 64,760 cubic metres transported onto the course, with new passing points being created along Redscript Lane to allow lorries to move between the A30 Swan Down and the relevant section of the course.

A spokesman said: “Clean inert subsoils will be imported to help reduce the overall steepness in this area of the course.

“Gentle landforms will be introduced to reduce the impact of the prevailing weather on players, as well as improve the overall golf playing experience.

“The imported material will help fund native meadows and tree planting.”

In additional to nearly 300 new trees being planted, a new pond will be created near the ninth hole green to assist with drainage.

The reaction from local residents has been decidedly negative, with several inhabitants of the surrounding villages raising concerns about construction traffic.

Josephine Miles, who lives near the course, said: “I have had to reverse back into Redscript Lane several times when approaching traffic appears.

“The suggestion that the lorries can use the lay-bys is ill-conceived.”

Geraldine Edwards, who lives in Chaffcombe added: “The exit onto the A30 is extremely dangerous and historically has been the scene of accidents.

“This is because there is only a limited sight line in both directions along the A30 due to a slight bend in the road here, and although the limit is 50mph at this point, most cars are going a lot faster.”

The county council is expected to make a decision on the plans in the early-summer.