A 15-hole pirate adventure golf course could be built at one of North Somerset’s most popular garden centres if an application for outline planning permission is approved.

Planning agent Weller Designs has sought permission to build the adventure golf course at Cadbury Garden Centre, in Congresbury.

If the company’s bid is successful, the proposed course would include features such as waterfalls, ponds, a ship and a bridge.

The company said in its design and access statement that the course would provide a family-friendly activity which would also prove an ideal ‘introduction’ into golfing for young players.

The statement said: “The proposed adventure golf facility is very much a family-orientated leisure pursuit and will appeal to every age.

“As a socially-enjoyable leisure pursuit, it is relaxed and fun and has none of the perhaps ‘intimidating’ aspects of normal golf, but does provide an introduction to the sport of golf itself with the health benefits which accompany it.

“Adventure golf is proven to be a very popular leisure pastime. It is a place to relax, have fun and spend quality time with the family.”

The proposed adventure golf course site is used by the garden centre, in Smallway, to store materials and display landscaping equipment.

Weller Designs also said the course would result in the creation of jobs at the centre and would improve Cadbury’s long-term prospects.

It said: “The adventure golf course will represent an additional customer facility that will complement the established garden centre, which is located in a rural countryside location on the edge of Congresbury.

“It is envisaged that the proposed facility could attract between 20,000 and 30,000 participants each year – some will be coming to the nursery anyway, while others will be coming to specifically play adventure golf.

“This estimated footfall requires additional staff to run and maintain the facility, with at least two additional full-time employees needed to undertake this work.

“Whilst short-term, the actual construction of the facility will require the employment of between four and six construction workers during a period of around two months, with local labouring jobs also available during the construction period.

“Furthermore, the adventure golf facility will improve the long-term competitiveness of the garden centre, which will in turn contribute to the provision of jobs and also the centre’s long-term growth.”