NEW proposals could see North Berwick Bowling Club (NBBC) demolished and rebuilt, with housing replacing the unused west green.

A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the existing clubhouse and the building of a new clubhouse – and for four semi-detached houses on the site of the west green.

Developing the west green is “the only realistic solution to the continued existence” of a club which has witnessed a big drop in membership. If the plans are approved, the club’s east green would still be used to play bowls.

The design statement describes the current clubhouse, on Clifford Road, as “an elderly and somewhat dilapidated timber building which is in a poor state of repair”.

The plans also include 17 parking spaces, made up of 12 residential spaces, and five for the club.

A club spokesperson confirmed to the Courier: “It is the sale of the houses by the developer which will fund the new clubhouse, access and parking works.”

In the design statement, the bowling club, which has submitted the application to East Lothian Council, says it wants to create a “modern, attractive bowling clubhouse”.

Fewer players at the club has led to the west green not being used since 2008 and the club believes there is “no realistic prospect” of it being needed for bowls in the future.

In a supporting statement, the club said: “The only realistic solution to the continued existence and wellbeing of NBBC lies in the west green being developed for housing.”

And it hopes the new facility could be used by the wider community.

The supporting statement says: “A new clubhouse would be of benefit not only to our members, but also to the many visitors who enjoy our facility. It would also provide a modern, medium-sized community facility available for hire for a range of different uses.”

An application was lodged previously for a block of flats to be built on the west green, but that was withdrawn after opposition from local residents.

The supporting statement added: “NBBC has carefully considered all of the comments received on the earlier application and has taken the criticisms on board. This time the club has had control over the content of the new application and it is fully satisfied that the proposal for a new clubhouse and two pairs of semi-detached houses satisfies its needs and is consistent with ELC policies.”