New Forest District Council give green light for makeover of Elmers Court Country Club

A COUNTRY club near Lymington is set for a makeover after planning chiefs gave the go-ahead for major renovation work.

Elmers Court Country Club in South Baddesley Road has been granted permission to build a two-storey glazed entrance lobby on its spa building.

The club, owned by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, can also add new terraces on the ground floor and balconies to the first floor.

The works will lead to a slight reduction in size of the club's car park.

An NFDC report said: "It is considered that overall the proposed frontage would be an improvement on the existing façade of the building, which is largely blank and presents an austere and uninviting frontage.

"The introduction of terraces and balconies together with improved access for the less abled, would result in a more active and welcoming frontage.

"It is considered that the overall design of the proposal is acceptable."

Despite permission for the work being granted, NFDC's building design and conservation area officer highlighted there was "some concern about the increased level of glazing in an area of dark skies".

Boldre Parish Council did not object but noted: "While not objecting in principle to the proposed extended facilities, there are concerns about extra light pollution caused by the increased fenestration and also the provision of adequate parking."