A TENNIS club is considering moving to a new location after its attempt to transform its ageing home into a modern sports centre was blocked by planners.

The 100-year-old Shotley Bridge and Benfieldside Tennis Club has secured funding of £800,000 to create a new leisure centre.

Club officials had wanted to demolish its existing building and build a modern well-equipped facility at its present home in Benfield Close, Shotley Bridge, a quiet street in the middle of a housing estate.

However, Derwentside District Council's Development Control Committee has refused planning permission following a campaign by residents, and the club is faced with a choice of finding an alternative site or risk losing the money.

Head coach Phil Atees said the club was considering a move to the former steelworks site, at Berry Edge, in Consett, after a century in Shotley Bridge.

Mr Atees said: "It is disappointing, but not wholly unexpected.

"It could end up being bigger and better than the centre we would have had here.

"I still think it is hugely important that we don't let this excellent opportunity slip through our fingers.

"We could gain indoor tennis status and be a centre of excellence for County Durham and run national competitions drawing people to the area.

"If things aren't moved ahead fairly quickly the funding could be put at risk."

The club was to have four floodlit tennis courts, a new clubhouse as well as five-a-side football and basketball facilities.

Councillors denied planning permission after agreeing with residents' concerns about increased traffic flow and parking problems the development would create.

The committee received a 38-name petition opposing the plan and 11 letters of objection. The vote to refuse permission was unanimous.

Benfieldside ward Councillor Derek Hume spoke out on behalf on residents in opposition to the plan.

He said: "I am sorry in a way, but the point is it is in the wrong place.

"I admire what they are doing at the club and it is a great thing for the community but it should be open to all and if it went ahead it would have caused mayhem with the traffic. There are kids that play in the street and it would have made it dangerous for them.

"The problem is the location. It is a shame."