BOWDON Hockey Club has been given the green light for a stand, a car parking area and a squash court extension.

Neighbouring residents called on planning chiefs to give the red card to the schemes for the leading club, which has hosted European hockey finals.

The developments at Bowdon Club’s (Cricket, Hockey and Squash) site on South Downs Road are for a 354-seat spectator stand for hockey matches, a new car parking area to extend the number of spaces from 100 to 168, and a two-storey squash court extension.

The squash court and car park will be built on protected open space land.

Residents’ spokesman Mark Savill told the planning committee that they were happy to ‘co-exist’ with the club in its present form, but claimed the developments would “cause huge disturbance - and set a precedent for further expansion.”

The Bowdon residents, who sent in more than 30 letters of objection, were backed by ward councillor Michael Hyman.

But another ward councillor, Sean Anstee, supported the 156-year-old club.

The club’s agent, Mrs J Naylor, said the spectator seating would only be required “on rare occasions.”

“There are no plans to significantly expand the club or extend its activities.”

There were more than 70 letters of support for the schemes. Groups backing the club included England Hockey Board,Men’s Premier League Hockey Forum, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Bowdon Church School and Altrincham Preparatory School.

Planning committee vice-chairman Cllr Dan Bunting said: “I can’t see there is gong to be a significant loss of amenity in the area.”

He claimed most of the noise disturbance would come from the hockey matches, pointing out that “it is a noisy game.”

Planning committee member Cllr Karen Barclay, who represents Bowdon ward, said: “The hockey club is a valued venue in Bowdon, we are proud to have it in our ward.

“I think the seating is a reasonable change for the 21st century, changing from terracing to seating.”

The planning committee unanimously approved the schemes.