AN AUDENSHAW bowling club is to get a bigger building to operate from after planning permission was granted.
Members of Ryecroft Bowling Club, based at Ryecroft Hall, have been told they can almost double the space available in their hut, which stands next to the green.
However, they have been told it must look the same externally as it does now.
The club, through Peter Ford, applied to extend the front of the structure so it can have 14-and-a-half square metres of space to work in, as opposed to the current eight.
And Tameside Council has granted permission in an executive decision.
In a statement, the club said: “It is the opinion that the proposals will have no detrimental impact on the character of the hall or neighbours adjacent.
“The proposed extension will also not impact or impede the pedestrian travel route around the bowling green.
“The hall itself is used for council offices as well as community and private functions although the grounds are open to the public for recreational purposes.
“Alterations will extend the bowling hut to the south, towards the bowling green to allow for additional internal floor area which will support the club as it has grown over the years.
“The façade and external appearance will remain in keeping, utilising materials that match the existing hut and maintaining the same fenestration to the front elevation.
“And the applicant intends to reuse the existing door, shutter and retractable awning.”
Work on the building must be done within three years after Tameside Council’s interim director of place Nick Fenwick granted permission after reports found no issue with the proposal.
They said: “The site is located within allocated Protected Green Space. Despite this, the proposal would not conflict with the aims and aspirations of policies which seek to protect the allocated Green Space from unacceptable/inappropriate development.
“The development would not compromise the functionality and visual quality of Ryecroft Hall and its grounds.
“In addition, it is considered it would not unacceptably impact on the visual amenity of the area, or detract from the significance and setting of the heritage asset and the residential amenity of surrounding properties.”
Giving the go-ahead, though, the authority did insert one condition.
It said: “The external materials used in the construction of the development hereby approved shall match those used in the existing building in colour, form and texture.”