THE biggest single leisure scheme proposed in Kennet, the £70 million golf hotel at Tottenham House in Savernake Forest, looks likely to be approved by councillors.

The application by Golf Club Investments Ltd that was submitted to the district council in August goes before its regulatory committee today.

The recommendation from officers is for the decision to be delegated to planning services manager Brad Fleet.

A report to members of the committee said the application, subject to various matters being agreed by the applicant, should be agreed provided that it is not called in by the Deputy Prime Minister's office.

Major schemes like the one proposed at Tottenham House, family seat of the Ailesbury family, run the risk of being called in and subjected to a full public planning inquiry.

The proposal by the international consortium is to create a five star golf hotel resort.

The plans going before Kennet propose a total of 148 guest suites; 18 within Tottenham House, 128 more in new buildings on the former kitchen gardens and a further two between the kitchen garden and stable block.

Behind the house it is proposed to build an 18 hole golf course to PGA international standards. It will feature a lake and golf pavilion in the form of a log cabin in woodland.

Parking for a total of 379 cars is provided in three areas.

Terry Jones, architect for the consortium, said he was hopeful the scheme would be shown a green light.

"Over the last six to nine months we have addressed all the written comments made by over 20 statutory consultees plus many others," he said. "We believe that on the basis of the planning department's report and recommendation the council will agree that the scheme as proposed is acceptable."

The target opening date is 2008.