PLANS to build a major new social housing development could dash hopes of a luxury golf resort, according to a Wirral councillor.

Documents submitted to Wirral Council show developer Kirby Park Ltd is asking for permission to create 62 affordable homes at the Carr Lane estate in Hoylake.

The scheme would comprise a mixture of apartments and semi-detached houses on the former site of Ellerman Lines Social Club.

But ward councillor Gerry Ellis believes the plans could become a problem when it comes to attracting developers to build the long-awaited "Wirral Golf Resort."

Discussions around this five star project have seen little progress due to the recession, but it is hoped it is still within reach.

The luxury golf resort would include a five star hotel, restaurant, spa and conference facilities.

Following the success of the 2006 Open Championships at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, it is hoped the project would attract other major competitions to the area.

Councillor Ellis said: “We have a need for social housing in the area so it is excellent that these plans have been brought forward.

"However, the development will be very close to the site that has been earmarked for the golf resort, so it will be interesting to see if that is taken into consideration. But of course, that is not a planning issue so we shall see.”

The housing estate, which would be built within the Green Belt, would provide a “range of dwelling types and sizes to meet the already identified and well documented needs of the community,”

according to planning documents.

The papers also say the homes would “enhance the character and appearance of the immediate area.”

A council spokeswoman said the authority was still committed to creating the golf resort despite recent plans to build affordable homes nearby.

She said: “Wirral is preparing to welcome the world’s best women golfers to Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 2012 and Wirral Council is still very much committed to developing an International Golf Resort in Hoylake.”