PLANNING permission has been given to a Fareham sports club to build a new clubhouse.

Fareham Hockey Club submitted proposals for the new facility at Henry Cort Community College after three years of careful planning.

Despite concerns that the club could prove noisy to residents living close by, planning chiefs have now given the go-ahead for the two-storey building in Hillson Drive.

The design features a pitched roof building to house a bar and changing rooms as well as a viewing gallery for fans can watch matches.

It will be built next to an all-weather floodlit pitch in the college grounds.

Club spokesman Richard Cornish said: "This is the culmination of three years' research, study and consultation carried out jointly by ourselves and the college.

"We believe this facility will have a positive impact on the college, the club and the community."

The club, which has been established for more than 100 years and has an excellent reputation in the county, currently shares a clubhouse with Fareham Cricket Club at Bath Lane Recreation Ground.

The new building will enable them to branch out and provide an exclusive facility to its members.

Mr Cornish said: "Our vision is to build on this - enhancing our family- friendly club and continuing to encourage and support sporting excellence." However, there have been concerns from residents living near the proposed site that functions held in the new club could prove noisy.

Club secretary David Brocklebank said they have told residents the pavilion is for the exclusive use of the club.

"We have assured the residents that it won't be hired out to all and sundry and other local clubs.

"We don't anticipate that there will be any problems."