Langland Bay Golf Club is one of the oldest and best known in Wales

Golfers, conservationists and beach-goers have won a fight to stop new homes being built near a Gower course.

Langland Golf Club, one of the oldest in Wales, feared it would have to alter or lose one of its holes if the houses were approved by planners.

The Gower Society had objected and there was also a 243-signature petition opposing it, along with 140 letters.

Just hours before the application by Liberty Properties was due to be discussed, it was formally withdrawn.

The developer initially planned 12 detached houses on land bordering the club's par-four third hole.

The proposal was later revised to six houses, but opposition continued.

Without doubt it would have effected the playing of golf on our third hole Tony Vaughan, club chairman

The council's own planning officers had recommended its development control board refuse the revised application.

They said while the impact on the golf course was not a planning issue the houses were contrary to the planning policies for the Langland Bay Conservation Area.

Among the objections raised by Mumbles Community Council was the "visual impact" the homes would have for visitors to the nearby beach.

The Gower Society said the site was on the edge of the officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It said "the very visible and high profile development" would "dominate the skyline."

The golf club, which celebrated its centenary in 2004, feared the homes would be too close to the course and would be at risk from stray golf balls.

Chairman Tony Vaughan said members were "obviously delighted" at the outcome.

"Without doubt it would have effected the playing of golf on our third hole," he added.

Prior to the meeting the company had said its application was "sympathetic" to its surroundings and neighbours.