A KINGSTEIGNTON bowling club is set to expand its clubhouse after Teignbridge Council approves its planning application.

Submitted by Abbrook Park Bowling Club, the application - reference 25/02152/FUL - sought permission for a single storey extension, with new steps to access the green.

And Teignbridge Council have granted planning permission.

‘The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiry of three years from the date of this permission’, the council said.

The extension will allow for additional space within the club room, allowing a clear access route between the changing rooms and bar.

This currently becomes congested and proves a safety hazard when hot food and drinks in glasses are being ferried, the design and access statement for 25/02152/FUL says.

The existing steps will be removed and the extension will give a wider panoramic viewing area over the green to allow improved views for spectators..

Some new steps from the bottom of the ramp on the south east corner will be installed to replace the ones being removed.

Ramped access elsewhere will remain unchanged, the statement adds.

The design and access statement for 25/02152/FUL says: ‘The clubhouse was designed at a time when the club had a much smaller membership base.

‘The clubhouse, at present, is now outdated in a number of areas given the current membership.

‘This proposal aims to start a programme of improving the facilities at the club for both current and future members’.

Abbrook Park Bowling Club’s membership has grown significantly since its formation in the 1980s.

Its current facilities are now inadequate, particularly in terms of changing facilities and the main club room when visiting teams are playing, the statement goes on to say.

Various options have been explored, but given the current economic climate, the club wishes to extend the main club room, the statement adds.