Plans have been submitted to build townhouses on a laned owned by a bowling club in Glasgow's south side.

Developers have applied to build six semi-detached townhouses, each with three bedrooms, at Hillpark Bowling Club.

The properties would be developed on three tennis courts between Rostand Road and Tinto Road, described as 'neglected and unwanted'.

It given the go-ahead, the club would be required to pay Glasgow City Council a total of £150,000 to be reinvested in improving other tennis courts in Newlands Park.

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The club originally had six tennis courts but, due to falling demand, three were sold for residential development in 2005.

The money raised was invested in the remaining courts, including adding flood lighting.

However, owners have said that with no funds and poor membership the tennis courts which front onto Rolston Road are already beginning to present as neglected and abandoned.

A planning statement submitted by Bennett Developments and Consulting on behalf of the club explains: “Since the deal with the housebuilders, the club has sought to promote their facilities and to secure membership with little success, such that at this time the Club only has funds to meet on going costs with nothing in reserve for repairs, maintenance or emergencies.

"Membership is still poor with few if any playing members. In reality the Club now operates more as a social and community club for the local area, and in that role it is particularly successful and very popular, to the extent that it is now recognised as a valuable community resource.

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"A view shared by the local elected members all of whom are hugely supportive of this proposal."

SportScotland have been consulted on the plans and accepted that there was no “quantifiable demand” for the tennis courts at the location but commented that there was still a demand within this part of the city and that compensation would have to be paid.

They decided that £50,000 should be paid for each court lost with the money being put towards ongoing investment in tennis facilities at Newlands Park.

Any additional money Hillpark Bowling Club gets from the sale of the land will be spent on ensuring the future of the club, in particular the community aspects of the facility.

The statement adds: “It is accepted that the bowling club cannot afford to maintain the courts and that membership is low. It is also accepted that the clubhouse offers a valuable community facility and is the focus of numerous clubs, hosts meetings and small events and generally performs the role of a local community hall.

“To all intents and purposes the club is broke and only an injection of fresh capital will ensure the longevity of the club and its continued operation as a much-needed and loved community facility.”

The plans are due to go before Glasgow City Council.