A TENNIS club in Winchester has launched an appeal to allow it to build four new covered courts.

Some people living near to Winchester Lawn Tennis and Squash Club oppose the scheme, branding it an "overwhelming eyesore".

A Government inspector held an informal hearing at Winchester Guildhall, giving both sides the chance to air their views, following Winchester City Council's refusal of the scheme in Bereweeke Road last year.

Residents' concerns centre on the visual intrusiveness of the courts which would measure 64m x 40m x 12m, along with noise, light pollution, environmental worries and traffic.

Billy Kerr, general manager of the tennis club, said the number of courts was very important. "The main thing is four courts allows for various coaching programmes." he said.

"A four-court facility allows you to put on an event, so it's almost a requirement to have a four court facility," he said.

The inspector, Anthony Davison, will hold a site visit and consider all of the representations before he reports back with his decision.

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The event at 53 Northumberland Road in Newtown is £5 per head and starts at 7pm.

For more information contact 023 8036 6488.