A Rickmansworth sailing club is planning to replace an existing boat shed and build a new clubhouse after outgrowing its current facilities.

The Bury Lake Young Mariners has submitted a planning application to Three Rivers District Council for the timber-clad buildings.

The volunteer-run club says it has expanded 200 per cent in the last decade and has been seeking to upgrade its facilities since 2008.

The present building is approximately 80 years old and has been used by the club for more than 30 years and is no longer suitable.

The club say the new design would provide changing facilities for up to 300 people with disabilities.

The site is in an area of green belt where presumption would usually be against development although representatives of the club argue that as an appropriate facility for outdoor sport or recreation it should be considered an exception.

The application has attracted an objection from Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust which believes it does not propose suitable mitigation to the ecological impact.

Concerns were also raised about the possible presence of the Desmoulins Whorl Snail, a protected species, but a study commissioned by the club concluded it was unlikely they were present.

Public consultation into the application ends today (Thursday) and it is expected to be determined by Three Rivers District Council in September.