Plans to expand operations at a south Norfolk sports club have run into opposition from neighbours. Applicant Traditional English Properties is seeking consent to vary the premises licence of Heywood Sports and Racquet Club, at Walcot Road in Diss, to allow additional activities including live music, boxing and wrestling, and dancing.

Plans to expand operations at a south Norfolk sports club have run into opposition from neighbours.

Applicant Traditional English Properties is seeking consent to vary the premises licence of Heywood Sports and Racquet Club, at Walcot Road in Diss, to allow additional activities including live music, boxing and wrestling, and dancing.

Opening times would be extended to 7am-12.30am (the following day) Monday to Saturday; 7am to 11pm Sunday, and 7am to midnight on bank holiday Sundays. Alcohol would be supplied until 10.30pm on Sundays for consumption on or off the premises - currently 9pm - and until 11.30pm if a bank holiday.

The company is run by local businessman Chris Burnard who took over the premises - formerly known as Diss Squash Club earlier this year. And there have been 17 letters of objection from residents worried about potential noise disturbance, drunkenness and increased traffic especially late at nights.

Toby Lewis said in his letter to South Norfolk Council: “Walcot Road is a quiet residential road on the borders of the countryside. It contains the high school and just adjacent to the club premises is a nursing home.” Other protestors include a pensioner who claimed “This will be a nightmare waiting to happen if allowed.”

The application goes before the council's licensing committee on August 7.