Concerns have been raised that an application for a new clubhouse at Sandwich Lawn Tennis club could impact on nearby allotments.

The tennis club on Sandown Road has no provision for toilets or changing rooms and the application hopes to enhance the site.

It would be located on the southern edge of an existing allotment and there have been concerns that this could impact on the light over the allotment.

Speaking at the Sandwich Town Council meeting last week, Cllr Jeff Sneller said: “We should offer encouragement and support the new clubhouse but at the same time we should address issues of the allotment holders.

“I suggest the building is turned 90 degrees and face on to the tennis courts leaving an area of land behind the building which could still be used as allotments.”

Cllr Paul Carter disagreed with this, he said: “We should support sport in the district. I think we are delaying over very minor things and minor details.

“This is for a large number of people undertaking sport and allotments are for a small number of people undertaking an activity. There are alternative allotments.”

The application would mean erecting a building on grass space by the tennis courts for a kitchen, bathroom, changing room and social space.

In a planning statement issued by the tennis club, it states: “It has no changing facilities, no toilet and no indoor social area.

“The UK Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) consider these facilities basic and essential for the club going forward and the lack of these facilities makes organised coaching, especially for juniors, nearly impossible.

“We believe that a clubhouse would greatly improve general participation in tennis.

“With clubhouse facilities, we could offer coaching programmes to local schools and youth groups as well as adults of all ages.

“Most professional coaches will not consider operating regularly from courts without clubhouse facilities.”

It also states that it does not believe the location would be detrimental to the allotments.

The town council voted to suggest the plans be changed to move the clubhouse 90 degrees so that it does not impinge on the allotment site.

The decision will now be made by Dover District Council.