COURT HOUSE –– A local country club will soon be able to host bigger parties.

The Avalon Golf Club, Route 9 in Swainton, got the OK from the Middle Township Planning Board April 24 to complete plans for a 2,200-square-foot expansion of its banquet facilities.

When asked what drove the need for growth, the club’s Phil Barber told the Herald he was hoping to attract larger banquets including weddings. He said the expansion would nearly double the facility’s occupancy.