A GOLF club has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce holiday lodges in a bid to secure its long-term future.

The Benton Hall club, in Wickham Road, Witham, wants planning permission to install 18 lodges, extend its overflow car park and relocate an onsite playground.

Bosses are also looking to create two new tennis court and a spa garden.

Their planning statement reveals the proposals have been put forward to address a decline in membership and visitors - a trend they say is happening across the country.

The document adds: "The siting of new lodges will enable groups to stay at the club overnight, ensuring the club has the opportunity to develop their leisure and tourism capabilities.

"This would support the existing outdoor sporting use and assist in the development of the site to as a sporting tourist attraction, adjacent to the edge of the town."

The new facilities would be built on a disused area of land, which the golf club says is no longer suitable for use as a driving range.

Braintree Council will have the final say on the proposals.