A HAMPSHIRE sports club will be able to modernise its clubhouse after it was granted planning permission. 

The Trojans Club, in Stoneham Lane near Eastleigh, will also add six padel courts and more parking spaces.

The club's application received 138 supporting comments and one objection for the nearby King Edward VI School.

The school was concerned about the site's access with an increasing number of people using the facilities.

Hampshire Chronicle: Trojans Club

However, Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee approved the scheme on Tuesday September 5.

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Club president Michael Watts said: “We're immensely proud of what we provide for the community. This application will have great benefits for people's health and wellbeing. This can be seen by the number of positive comments received.

“The clubhouse is in desperate need of modernising. It's economically unsustainable. This is about improving quality and providing new padel courts. We were disappointed with the objection from the school. Thank you for considering our application.”

The meeting heard no speakers in objection.

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Cllr Alan Dowden said: “Sport is very important for numerous reasons. Obesity is a real danger to the NHS, so therefore this should be supported. 

“I was disappointed with the school's objection. They are not here to object to it, so I will be supporting this.”

Cllr Alan Warnes agreed. He said: “I'm very pleased to support this. Sport is crucial for physical and mental health.”

The committee permitted the scheme unanimously.