A prestigious sports club have turned to the Scottish Government in a row over plans to install new facilities in their historic grounds.
The Grange Club have been refused permission to add two covered tennis courts and new padel courts at their Edinburgh site.
The club, whose tennis section was founded in 1883 and who host Scotland international cricket team matches, applied to add the new areas to their existing tennis courts.
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But complaints from neighbours in the capital's upmarket Stockbridge area saw their hopes dashed by councillors.
City of Edinburgh council officials had recommended approving the plans which would boost the number of tennis courts to 10.
The designs would also include two padel courts, a sport championed by Sir Andy Murray that has seen soaring popularity across the UK.
But a committee refused the application saying it would breach strict conservation rules and impact neighbours.
Stunned Grange bosses have turned to the government in a bid to overturn the decision.
An appeal said approving the new plans would help maintain the future of the club.
It said: "The proposed all weather and year round sports facilities proposed in this appeal are much needed for the long established club and represent a significant investment which will help to sustain and grow the membership.
"Modern sports and recreation provision is important for the well-being of city residents and this facility is in a highly accessible central location with membership available to anyone who wants to join.
"All sports facilities require continual investment to attract younger members and to enhance the playing experience.
"The Grange Sports Club is well established and well used but it must continue to invest to remain relevant and up to date.
"The new facilities will also be available on pay for play basis to the general public so there will be a wider community benefit.
"The physical aspects of the development and impact on surroundings require to be assessed against the health and recreational benefits that these new facilities will bring to the club and the wider public."
City of Edinburgh Council told the club: "The proposals will have an adverse impact on its setting. The proposals will lead to an
adverse impact on the amenity of adjacent neighbouring properties."
The Grange was founded in 1832 and sits on the edge of Edinburgh's Inverleith Park.
The club has more than 650 members and includes tennis, hockey, squash and cricket on its site.
Former Wimbledon champion Murray has invested in Game4Padel, a company developing the sport in Britain.
David Beckham has been playing it in Qatar during the World Cup.
Padel was created in Mexico and is widely played across Europe.
A reporter will issue a decision in due course.
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