PLANS have been approved to extend facilities at Kendal Snowsports Club as neighbours try to prevent plans going ahead.

The Kendal Snowsports Club located on Canal Head North Kendal, applied for extensions to both the slope and the ski lodge building.

The proposals sent to South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), show that there will be a new extension of the matted dry ski slope by approximately 25 to 30 percent from its current size, in order to provide an expanded beginner slope to offer additional children’s classes at peak times.

An extension to the ski-lodge clubhouse has also been approved, which the application says; 'will improve the amenity space.'

Emma Lonsdale, who represented team GB at the Sochi Olympics, came through the club ranks and still regularly attends to offer support. She opened the new viewing area at the bottom of the main slope in 2014 before retiring at the age of 29. She gave credit to the Kendal Ski Club saying: "This is where we have all come from, we have all come from dry slopes and indoor centers and proved that we can compete on the world stage and get medals and the more people who get involved the better.”

Before the decision was passed by SLDC, the application first passed through Kendal town council who said: “Given the level of objections from local residents that still exist, we suggested the Ski Club engage with them further and in particular the Kirkbie Green Residents Group, as they felt a block plan would help them to see the impact of the plans on specific properties.

There were 25 letters of objection coming from Burneside Road, Sedbergh Road, Low Fellside and Kirkbie Green. Concerns ranged from extra noise, bright floodlighting and inadequate tree planting.

At SLDC’s meeting, the plans were passed on the condition that the club will close by 9.30pm.