Cringleford Tennis Club, on Oakfields Road, submitted plans to South Norfolk Council earlier this year to build a new clubhouse, hitting wall and pickleball court, as well as some minor changes such as a new footpath and paving.
The club, which has around 220 members, already has four all-weather and two grass tennis courts, but plans call for the grass courts to be replaced by the new additions.
The new clubhouse would be eight metres wide and three metres deep and would be equipped with French glass doors.
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It would also have a covered verandah at the front, as well as a kitchen area, common room, storage room and an accessible toilet and baby changing room.
However, locals rejected the initial plans because they objected to several of the proposed changes.
One commenter said: “The construction of a ‘clubhouse’ (shed) is not necessary as there is already a brick and tile clubhouse on this property.”
“Such a building would impact the natural living environment and open spaces.”
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Directly north of the club is the pavilion, which currently serves as a meeting place for clubs and social groups using the courts and adjacent recreational grounds.
Another commentator raised concerns about the noise levels caused by a ‘bounce wall’ which could negatively impact residents of Oakfields Road and Mark Lemmon Close.
Following this backlash, the impact wall was removed from the plans.
Sports England also objected to the original proposal, citing the risk that it could lead to a loss of playing fields, but a revised plan allayed these fears and later gave the go-ahead.
After securing the necessary support, the proposal was given the green light.