A TENNIS club’s plans to build a large airdome which would allow members to play all year round, have hit a setback.

Councillors on the planning committee at Billericay Town Council objected to the plans put forward by Billericay Lawn Tennis Club to have the structure put over three courts for six months of the year.

Members of the committee felt the dome, which would be 9m high and cover 63 sq ft, would be inappropiate for the strip of land, as it is on a section of green belt.

The dome would be in use from October 1 to March 31 at the club, in Blunts Wall Road.

John Buchanan, chairman of the planning committee, said: “The whole reason for having green belt land is to have an open, green appearance in urban areas, and this application would not fit in with this.

“One of my colleagues compared it to a whale, and it would be visable during the daytime and night-time as it will obviously be lit up so members of the club could play tennis in the evening.

“We are not saying we are against tennis or the club trying to maxmise its court usage in the winter months, but we felt we had to file an objection.”

Les Cambridge, chairman of the tennis club, said he understood the councillor’s concerns, but still believes the structure is fine to be put on the site.

Mr Cambridge said: “We believe this proposal will not be bad for the green belt area, and we hope Basildon Council look at it differently.

“It will only be temporary, and it is the best way for us to carry on with our coaching classes, which are recognised as some of the best in Essex.

“There is nothing we can do about the size, as it has to fit the courts. We have spoken to residents living nearby, and they are mainly in favour of the plans.”

The development control and traffic management committee at Basildon Council will make the final decision.