Sale of land for housing is essential for future, Lambourn Sports Club told

LAMBOURN Sports Club must sell land for housing in order to survive, management has said.

The club has applied for planning permission to “redevelop” three tennis courts to provide nine, two-bedroom houses.
Already the plan has attracted opposition from some people.
But club chairman John Blount has said that the sale would be a “lifeline” without which it may not survive.
George Passfield, of Bockhampton Road, registered a formal objection in which he stated: “I think we have seen many developments in Bockhampton Road over the years... I think we have more than enough housing in our area.
“This development has nine houses - with the average house having two cars, not one, these days there is not enough parking allocated. If the club believes that selling off facilities will make it more profitable then how long will it be before the bowling green or football pitch will be next? This is the only green area left in the centre of the village, used by many - let’s keep it so.”
Another objector, who wrote anonymously, said: “I wish to strongly object... to build more houses along this road will be an accident waiting to happen. As it stands, cars are parked the entire length of Bockhampton Road as residents have nowhere else to park. The proposal would demonstrably harm the amenities enjoyed by local residents, in particular safe and available on-road parking, privacy and the right to enjoy a quiet and safe residential environment.”
Edward Miller, who lives in the High Street, said he would support the application, but added: “As a member of the tennis club I was told this development had a condition attached to build a multi-use facility near the existing courts. That facility would have two tennis courts and therefore means losing only one court in real terms.
“On the basis that the above stipulation is a condition of the development and built at the same time I would support the application. If however, this condition is no longer in place I would strongly object to the development on the basis that it takes away valuable leisure space from our village.”
Club secretary Bob Wilkin confirmed that a tennis court facility would be maintained, but said that to have added this to the formal application would have incurred more fees with no guarantee of
success.
The club was founded in 1946 and currently has a membership of around 400.
In a covering letter to planners Mr Blount said that during the past decade membership of the club’s tennis section has steadily declined and is now down to seven.
He added: “The sports club itself itself has also been experiencing a steady decline in use and popularity and, consequently, income. The increasing trend for people to
buy alcohol to consume at home
has affected the club significantly
as the bar is our main source of income.”
Reduced bar charges, a loyalty card system and other promotions have failed to stem the exodus and net profit has continued to decline annually.
The clubhouse is a community asset hosting a spring fete, flower show, bonfire night fireworks display and other events, but is in need of refurbishment - particularly the roof, kitchen, lounge bar patio and toilets.
Mr Blount concluded: “The capital received from the sale of the land for the proposed housing will allow the club to remain in operation by paying some of its running costs, providing capital to invest in the fabric of the club and making
it more attractive to potential
members and guests. Without this
capital the club will not be able
to pay its forthcoming rates and
utility bills.”