THRIVING membership at Christchurch Tennis Club has led to plans to improve and expand facilities at the site.

The club, near Iford roundabout, want to bring four unused courts back into use, while also replacing the clubhouse.

As part of the plans, Dolphin Motorhomes, a family owned business, also want to improve their facilities to replace the existing workshop and outside display space.

Rachel Lambon, head coach and director at Christchurch Tennis, said: "It has long been a plan to find investment to renovate the old disused tennis courts adjacent to ours and expand our club to be one of the best most inclusive tennis clubs in the area.

"We have worked hard to build our membership from 20 to over 270 players made up of adults and juniors.

"This is continuing to grow every year and the club needs upgrading to match our members needs.

"We are adding a dedicated children’s zone that will be safe and secure, three Padel Tennis Courts, one of the Worlds fastest growing sports and a new clubhouse.

"We envisage our club to be for all the community, offering the best products, services and facilities.

"With the support of the LTA we are excited to get this project started and ask for everyone's support to make this happen.

"Once built this will be a pivotal point for sport in the borough of Christchurch and surrounding areas."

The access road to the club will also be improved by widening it, with the gravel car park surface also replaced with permeable tarmac.

As part of the planning application, a design and access statement added: "In recent years, the resurgence and improvements to both the tennis facilities and motorhome showroom have brought about a reduction in the amount of vandalism and anti-social activity carried out on the site."

And while there are plans to light all the new courts, the tennis club will use lights which have minimal 'spillage' onto neighbouring properties.