Campaigners are ‘on tenterhooks’ as a judge decides whether to frustrate plans to turn a historic estate into a luxury golf course and hotel.

A judicial review over the approval of plans to develop Cherkley Court was held on Thursday, Friday and Monday, but it could be several weeks until the decision by Mr Justice Haddon-Cave.

Cherkley Campaign has taken its battle to the High Court to contest Mole Valley District Council’s approval of plans to develop the former home of press baron Lord Beaverbrook.

The campaign's chairman Tim Harrold said he was pleased about a dozen supporters and residents came to hear arguments in court, which indicated the strength of opposition to plans.

Mr Harrold said the legal proceedings were quite tiring but they are now on ‘tenterhooks’ until the judge’s decision.

He said: "It’s been a long, long effort by a lot of people. We are hopeful and confident."

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Mr Harrold said they believed the council’s decision was a ‘mistake’ and the plans would result in the loss of precious landscape.

He said Surrey already has more than 140 golf courses, adding: "To put another golf course in is really unnecessary in my view. We have to cherish our countryside."

But Councillor John Northcott, portfolio holder for planning, said: "Our counsel provided a robust rebuttal to all the matters raised and we remain confident of the outcome."

Longshot Cherkley Court Ltd, which says there was no legal flaw when it was granted planning permission, has insisted the project will not only enhance the environment but restore the estate to its former grandeur.

Andy Smith, Surrey branch director of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said they were hopeful their arguments that the council made a series of errors in their decision-making process would prevail.

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He said: "It will have far-reaching consequences not just for Mole Valley but for local councils and local communities throughout Surrey, and throughout the country.

"Can a local council brush aside its agreed Local Plan and disregard the advice of its planning officers in the cavalier way that MVDC did - and then get away with it?"

The council said until the decision is announced the development will continue in accordance with an injunction which allows the initial work towards creating the golf course.