MORE Winchester residents could be able to play an up-and-coming sport if a planning application is approved.

The Lawn Tennis and Squash Club in Bereweeke Road has applied to convert its two courts into three.

At a committee meeting on June 18, members voted seven to two that a site visit should be carried out, meaning a decision will be made at a future meeting.

If given the green light more people could try padel tennis, which is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court.

Scoring is the same as normal tennis, the balls used are similar but with a little less pressure, and much like squash, players can use the glass back walls to rebound their shots.

The application has received a 18 objections from local residents. Most spoke about increased noise and light pollution due to the plans including new floodlights.

Peter Chilvers, of Bereweeke Close, told the committee: “We have had a happy relationship with the club for years. The floodlights could well destroy that.

“It is thought that the application does not consider the impact of artificial lighting. Also, more people playing the sport means more noise.

“We can’t help but feel the expansion will be detrimental to what is otherwise a quiet neighbourhood.”

Chris Herridge, a supporter of the application, said the noise levels would hardly increase and that the floodlights are “very directional”, meaning they would only shine downwards at the courts.

The club is also next door to Bereweeke Court Care Home. Committee members voted to reduce the club opening hours to 8am-9pm to ensure residents were not disrupted.

Chairman of the committee Therese Evans said: “This is an up-and-coming sport and we as a community encourage people to be active. I think we should welcome this.

“I understand the concerns raised of the local residents.”