A new £4m leisure complex and 72-bed hotel block could be built on the edge of a Norfolk village.

Norwich Evening News: The Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club is seeking to build the facilities on its site in Taverham, off Beech Avenue. Photo: The Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country ClubThe Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club is seeking to build the facilities on its site in Taverham, off Beech Avenue. Photo: The Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club (Image: Archant)

The Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club is seeking to build the facilities on its site in Taverham, off Beech Avenue.

Along with the construction of a three-storey accommodation block, it has sought permission to build a stand alone leisure centre.

The new buildings would be accessed via a new route from the A1067 Fakenham Road.

In planning papers submitted to Broadland District Council, the hotel said the expansion wold ensure its 'future economic viability'.

Norwich Evening News: The Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club is seeking to build the facilities on its site in Taverham, off Beech Avenue. Photo: Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country ClubThe Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club is seeking to build the facilities on its site in Taverham, off Beech Avenue. Photo: Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club (Image: Archant)

'The current leisure centre is nearing capacity and being in its 18th year of operation is in need of complete refurbishment,' the planning papers said.

'Customer expectations have changed during this time and to be able to increase member numbers the current facilities cannot be adapted.

The hotel said it had lost out on potential function bookings as it could not accommodate the required numbers of people.

Founded in 1990, the premises covers a 250 acre site within the Wensum Valley and is situated in the north west of Norwich.

Its facilities include two 18-hole golf courses, a swimming pool and 90 bedrooms.

As part of the plans, the existing swimming pool would be demolished.

Meanwhile, a new pro golf shop - featuring a golf 'sim room' - would be built, and its Valley Restaurant extended.

The new hotel block would be 'hinged' off a new reception building, proposed to the north of the existing buildings.

Meanwhile, the new leisure complex - which includes a spa - would replace a 'tired and outdated' building.

It would be a stand alone structure, with its own car park and access.

Bridgette Hall, the hotel's managing director, said the overall development would cost around £4m.

She said it was also developing a pitch and putt course, as well as foot golf course, which will open around Easter.

The planning papers said: 'Expansion of the current facilities will therefore ensure the future economic viability of the hotel, provide a better range of services for guests and users, and promote more employment whilst attracting more people to benefit the local economy.'