Netting plan being served up at tennis club near Wolverhampton
It will be game, set and match if a tennis club near Wolverhampton gets the signal to install high nets to protect courts.
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Members of the growing Wombourne Tennis Club in Church Road in Wombourne have lodged plans for new netting at the pitches and are hoping the designs will be given the green light by councillors.
The club is a section of the Wombourne Cricket, Tennis & Bowls Club and is situated in a conservation area on the village green on land donated to the community for the the playing of sport.
A South Staffordshire Council planning report states: "The purpose of this netting is to enhance the safety and usability of the courts while preserving the aesthetic and historical value of the area."
"The proposed works involve the installation of high netting, approximately six metres tall around most but not all of the perimeter of the tennis courts. The netting will be constructed from galvanised steel posts, multi strand horizontal line wires and 28mm black netting fixed to the line wire with UV stable zip ties.
"This have all been selected for their durability and minimal visual impact. The design aims to blend seamlessly with the existing environment while providing the necessary functionality. The impact of the proposed high netting on the heritage assets has been carefully considered. The netting will be installed in a manner that avoids physical alterations to any historic structures. Its colour and materials have been chosen to minimize visual intrusion. Furthermore, the height of the netting has been kept as low as possible while still achieving the desired safety outcomes."
"In conclusion, the proposed installation of high netting - has been designed with careful consideration of the heritage context. The selected materials and design ensure that the historic and architectural significance of the area is preserved while enhancing the functionality and safety of the tennis courts. We believe this proposal represents a balanced approach that respects and enhances the heritage assets of the site. "
In 2018 the site was given a £27,000 facelift mainly funded by the umbrella club with contribution provided by the tennis arm. The improvements saw two courts refurbished with a sand-filled carpet and all weather surface. Around 40 members turned up to see South Staffordshire MP Sir Gavin Williamson when he paid a visit to tour the upgraded facilities.
