A POPULAR golf range in Christchurch is applying for a car park extension - in a bid to cater for more women and young players.

The owners of Playgolf, off Riverside Avenue in Christchurch, have applied to Christchurch Borough Council for permission to extend the car park at the centre.

It forms part of the company's desire to be 'more socially balanced'.

There would be an extra 61 spaces added if permission was granted, with the main car park extended into the waste land and the space used by the service road.

A design and access statement from planning agent Studio Four Architects said the owner wants to invest in the "community resource" by bringing the facilities up to contemporary standards.

"The company’s ethos is to appeal to a demand within the community to cater for an increasing proportion of both female and young players to enable a more socially balanced participation within the sport", it says.

"The new membership profile not only seeks to meet the aspirations of the local community, but will also meet one of the key objectives of National Green Belt Policy, being the enhancement of, the beneficial use of, and access to the countryside."

The main building includes a 60 bay golf range, reception building, restaurant and kitchens as well as a function room and toilets.

Currently an extension is being built with a golf shop on the ground floor and office on the first floor.

The statement also says a special themed leisure “Adventure Golf” facility is being built to the oval open area immediately south of the building.

People are still able to comment on the application until December 10.

Playgolf, formerly Christchurch Golf Club, was set-up in 1977, on a nine hole course across the river.

It was rebranded as Iford Golf Centre in 2003, with Playgolf purchasing the site in 2009.