A NEW driving range could be built on the current site of a foot golf pitch.

Planning permission has been sought to build a 250m range and teeing-off shed at Blakes Golf Club in Ongar.

If approved, a 51.1m long by 14m wide building would stand at the end of what is currently a foot golf pitch - a sport that fuses football and golf and has proved not a 'viable option' for the business.

Members and visitors will also be able to access a new golf simulator room and small cafe.

Architect Martyn Pattie said: "The driving range is a more traditional facility for golf and is seen as the one missing element of Blakes Golf Course, as there are currently no facilities for members and visitors and beginners to practice golf before they play on the course.

"It is envisaged that this building will be useful for golfers who don’t necessarily want to play golf every day, but can turn up and use the driving range for an hour and also then be able to have coffee and a snack either before or after they have played."

The 18 hole golf club has been on site for the past 15 years.

With a good amateur golfer able to tee-off more than 300m, the range will be slope up 2m at the end to avoid serious drivers from losing their balls.