STUMINSTER Marshall Golf Club has been told that it can continue to use the first floor of its clubhouse for functions involving non-club members.

When the original planning permission for the club was granted in 1991 it included conditions which prevented the use for private functions.

But the club has now successfully argued that the condition should no longer remain in place – a move agreed by Dorset Council.

The club currently has an application for an extension being considered by Dorset Council – which has attracted objections.

Last year its application for a two-storey extension to add to their restaurant and function room was rejected by Dorset Council for the Moor Lane clubhouse.

The club had asked to extend to the north east over an existing paved terrace, adding bi-fold doors to the east side and additional outdoor seating.

The application had also included changes to the road access to the site.

The parish council claimed the bigger building would have a detrimental impact on the greenbelt and surrounding area and claimed, following its own survey, that the road junction changes would compromise the safety of pedestrians.

It also said that having an extension for larger functions would cause unacceptable noise and inconvenience for residents.

The club has since submitted an amended application for a single storey extension to enlarge the restaurant on the ground floor, add additional headroom to the existing first floor function room and stairwell access and make alterations to the road junction.

Comments on the application closed at the end of December and has again attracted objectors from neighbours and the parish council.

The parish council, in its objection letter, says it sees nothing in the application which would override the previous objection. Its submission adds that the First School use the side exit onto Moor Lane for emergencies which should be taken into account by Dorset Council along with two bus stops situated adjacent to the junction.