A tennis club has been given the planning go-ahead for an all-weather bubble over its courts.

Despite objections from the club's neighbours in Hove, councillors voted unanimously in favour.

Plans for a permanent structure were rejected by councillors last December.

The new bubble will go up only between October and May so winter weather does not halt play.

Graeme Hawkins, of Miller Bourne Architects in Hove, said it would be nine metres high at its tallest point over the nets and would be a lightweight white dome.

Planning officers felt youngsters would benefit as some of the courts could be used in winter for junior tennis, after-school clubs and general coaching.

The 500-member club moved to The Droveway from Wilbury Avenue four years ago and has many young members who live nearby.

The council received 28 letters of objection, mainly from residents of The Droveway, Onslow Road, Mallory Road and Dyke Road, and 83 of support, plus backing from Sports England.

Residents' spokesman David Venables claimed the bubble would be an eyesore and out of character with the area and would cause a loss of privacy.

He said: "It's going to be 15 metres from the end of my garden. It's a whopping great structure and it will be really in your face.

"I'm disappointed but I accept the decision and the reasons behind it."

Nicky Salmon, council tennis co-ordinator, said: "The whole community can be involved in the club. There are classes for four-year-olds to over-50s.

"Anything that encourages sport all year round is a good thing."

An earlier tennis bubble was erected over courts on Hove seafront in the Eighties.