Bosses behind a popular golf course offering stunning views over the Channel are hoping to expand their car park for its growing members, despite a concern over harm to rare plants.

An application has been submitted for 50 new spaces at Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club (WKGC) – pegged as the Club on the Cliffs – which would take its total number of spaces to 140.

Club bosses at the site, which sits on top of the White Cliffs of Dover at Kingsdown, say the extra spaces are ‘crucial’ due to a shortage of parking for players.

The application has been submitted to Dover District Council (DDC) and has attracted one objection.

Resident Steven Coates argued the area – designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – is a “valuable habitat for rare plants”.

He added: “The grass has been regularly mown in recent years but if correctly managed is likely to see the return of early spider-orchids and associated species recorded in the past.

“Appropriate management to restore chalk grassland would be of far more benefit.”

Natural England, which was also consulted, said it had no comment , as did did Kent County Council’s public rights of way and access service.

Meanwhile the council’s highway authority raised no objection.

The application, for a site of 3,149 sq m, is under the name of a Mrs Ashdown of Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club and the agent is Andy Bateman of EZ-PLANS of Whitfield.

The aim is to create vehicle access and hardstanding with no change to the area’s existing road and footpath, with no impact on the environment.

A statement from the club explained: “We have submitted an application for overflow parking to alleviate the ongoing parking shortage faced by patrons.

“The proposed parking areas have historically been used for this purpose and are crucial to accommodating the club's growing popularity.

“Situated in an area with restrictions due to its designation as a SSSI, the club has carefully identified a solution to mitigate any potential impact on the environment.

“The primary focus of concern from objectors is the rear area of the clubhouse, currently comprising mown grass.

“The club's application aims to implement a grid system (as seen at other respected sites such as Deal Castle and Kearney Abbey) that will enhance the stability and safety of the land, allowing grass to grow through it while maintaining the area's visual aesthetic.”

The club says it has learned from experts that the proposed use will not significantly impact biodiversity, as the grass will continue to thrive.

The statement adds: “Should the application be approved, a larger area of closely mown grass will be allowed to revert to natural grassland.

“Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club values its relationship with the local community and is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions that benefit both patrons and the environment.”

WKGC dates back more than 100 years and is described on its website as The Club on the Cliffs, found at the northern end of the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover.

It has sea views from all its 18 holes and views across the English Channel to France.

The popular club is very much a part of the life of the Dover district community and regularly hosts charity days. This includes for the Martha Trust, which is based near Deal and supports people with profound physical and multiple learning disabilities.

But in March 2020, five days before the first national Covid-19 lockdown, vandals broke into the club, causing more than £1,00 in damage.

They drove across the course leaving tyre marks, left taps on in a hut and stole a u-bend.