PORTLAND United football club is to build an extension to its clubhouse - partly to cope with a growing number of event bookings.

Dorset Council has agreed the club's plans for an extension to include a reception area, toilets, lift, office and storage space with new low-energy floodlights outside.

Most of the work will be to the ground floor with the toilets added at first floor level.

Dorset Echo: PROPOSED NORTH EAST ELEVATION STEVENJONESPLANDESIGNPROPOSED NORTH EAST ELEVATION STEVENJONESPLANDESIGN (Image: STEVENJONESPLANDESIGN)

The club already had a planning application approved for a first floor extension to the side and a two storey extension to the rear, which has not been completed, with the new approval to take priority over the older scheme.

In a planning application the club say that it has become more popular for functions with the closure of pubs and social clubs in the area over the past few years, with it being used more than ever for social gatherings and weddings, all providing vital income to help support football.

The parking arrangements and pitch are to remain as existing with the new building work to be completed in materials to match the existing building.