Conservation experts have withdrawn their objections into a golf course – but still have concerns over the pollution it could cause.

Green belt land at Bury Farm, in Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware, could be turned into an 18-hole golf course if plans are approved by Barnet Borough Council.

The Environment Agency last week wrote to the authority saying the area is unsuitable for a golf course because of the risk of flooding, and also raised concerns about bringing 500,000 tonnes of landfill onto the site.

The body has now said that developer Enplan, acting on behalf of golf course architect Tony Menai-Davis, has met the “minimum requirements” of the National Planning Policy Framework plan.

Enplan will still have to produce a detailed surface water drainage scheme for the site, which is prone to flooding.

The agency has also banned the developers from starting work until a scheme to dispose of “foul drainage” has been approved by Barnet Council.

Enplan will also have to create a landscape management plan giving details of new habitats which will be created on the site.

The letter said: “Golf courses can be ecologically sterile environments that create little benefit to biodiversity.

“The applicant has stated they intend to create new areas of hedgegrows, woodland planting and other more natural areas of the course for the benefit of local biodiversity.

“The less ornamental water bodies should also be created with wildlife in mind.”

There are, however, concerns that changes to surface water drainage could create water pollution.

The letter continued: “We do have concerns regarding the suitability of waste types and polluting potential as the development may pollute surface waters.”

The plans were originally submitted in 2013 but were withdrawn last year by golf club architect Tony Menai Davis, who owns The Shire Golf Club in London.

After he resubmitted the plans in January 2015, campaigners launched a petition which has so far been signed by nearly 400 people.

The farm is used by dog walkers and horse riders who say the 800-year-old farm would be “ruined” if the plans were to go ahead.