British firm Swan Golf Designs has completed detailed design work for a new course for Cliffords Leisure, owners of the Channels venue and golf complex near Chelmsford in Essex, England. Most of the new course will occupy land immediately north of the existing course, which is being developed for housing and commercial properties.

Architects Howard and William Swan have laid out a 6,800, par 72 course which could be lengthened to over 7,000 yards if needed. The holes would offer great variety of length, with par threes from 150 to over 200 yards, par fours from 315-450 yards and par fives from 480-550 yards. The new course will replace the present course, which is making way for a housing development.

The design includes four sets of tees on each hole, fifty seven bunkers and nine lakes, with eleven of the holes featuring water hazards. The detailed design builds upon the original information submitted for planning approval, with the course undergoing several minor alterations to accommodate various environmental, ecological and archaeological features that have been identified through site analysis.

Preliminary construction work on the project is set to start this autumn. In order to ensure that the golf course is playable all year, the construction specification includes state-of-the-art drainage and irrigation systems as well as sand capping of fairways. Following a tender process, the club has appointed John Greasley Ltd to handle construction of the new course.