Victory for West Mersea tennis club pavilion bid
8:40am Monday 10th October 2011
A TENNIS club has been given a new lease of life after it was given permission to build a pavilion.
Colchester Council’s planning committee went against officers’ recommendation and unanimously approved the building at The Glebe recreation ground in West Mersea.
John Bouckley, ward councillor, said an anonymous resident had donated material for the building from a log cabin he no longer required and tradesman would be willing to work on the building for free.
Mr Bouckley said: ”West Mersea Town Council is having its annual civic service and reception.
“At this event there will be people like the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and they will say ‘how did you get on with the borough council and I simply want to see happy faces.”
Planning officer David Whybrow told the committee a previous application for the pavilion the site was refused.
The council received two letters objecting to the plans and nine in support.
Mr Whybrow said: “Those who object say it is close to the rear of private buildings, is too high, they are concerned there is the possibility of various events being held there and say it is out of character with the setting.”
West Mersea Town Council, which submitted the application, said the first application would have seen the building overshadow the tennis courts but the new application has been modified.
Steve Vince, treasurer for West Mersea Tennis Club, said: “The building is attractive, low key and has been designed to blend in.”
Dave Tucker, town council clerk, speaking after the meeting said: “Everyone is so pleased it has been approved, we are absolutely delighted with the decision. It will give the tennis club a new lease of life.”