A Suffolk tennis club is seeking to renew a protected status for its site to ensure that the land is not sold and a new clubhouse can be built.

Southwold and District Tennis Club, based in Hotson Road, is applying to East Suffolk Council for the club's premises to continue as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which protects buildings or land that are used to further the social wellbeing or social interest of the local community.

Southwold town councillor David Beavan said: "The ACV for the tennis club is fairly routine. They are investing in a new clubhouse and want surety that their land is not sold as it is a prime town centre site."

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The club is currently fundraising to replace its 'dilapidated' portable building with a new clubhouse and has set up a JustGiving page to achieve its ambition.

So far, the club has collected £222,790 towards its fundraising target of £250,000.

East Suffolk Council granted planning permission for the new clubhouse in May 2021.

A statement about the clubhouse on the club's website said: "Our courts are fantastic, but our clubhouse is in dire need of replacement.

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"I’m delighted to say that in May 2021, we were awarded planning permission for our new clubhouse and this is where we need your help. 

"It has been designed to make playing, watching and socialising around tennis accessible for all and we hope that you will support us to truly maximise our benefit in the community."

The club has 250 members ranging in age from six to 84 and says it offers a 'fantastic mix of social and competitive tennis'.

A few years ago, the club's future was in doubt as it reached the end of its lease, but in January 2020 a new lease was agreed, securing the club's future for nearly 100 years. 

Steve Robinson, the club's general secretary, said: "Our application is a renewal of our existing approval with the council which demonstrated that the club was supporting the wider community and is not just a tennis club for members."

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