PLANS to extend and upgrade Thornbury Cricket Club have been approved despite objections.
A planning application was submitted to South Gloucestershire Council back in March to extend its clubhouse and provide new changing rooms, toilet facilities and a scoring hut.
Proposals also include placing solar panels on the roof as well as a roof terrace to serve as a viewing platform for spectators plus an outside staircase with a lift.
According to planning documents, the club said the proposed revamp will ensure its facilities “remains fit for purpose” and is “vital” for the club’s “survival”.
However, three residents objected to the scheme over concerns over a lack of parking, litter as well as light and noise pollution.
One resident described the current parking situation near the cricket club as “unacceptable” and “dangerous”.
“Instead of extending the clubhouse and paying for a roof terrace with an access staircase, the cricket club needs to sort out its lack of car parking,” they said.
“Currently the club members and visitors park in areas that do not belong to the cricket club.”
It comes as the application did not include any changes to its car park - which currently has 13 parking spaces.
The application was approved by SGC on Friday, July 19.
Approving the scheme, a council document reads: “The development would see the existing infrastructure enhanced by providing enlarged and improved facilities.
“In addition, a roof viewing terrace would be provided for spectators with appropriate disabled access.
“Accordingly, the development would see an overall enhancement of the existing infrastructure.
“The development proposals would result in enhanced supporting facilities which would support the primary sport and recreation use of the cricket club.”
It continues: “Issues of dangerous/unlawful parking would be a matter for the relevant authority and whilst wide verges are noted which may encourage parking, it would be within the gift of the local highway authority to take measures to prevent parking in these areas should it feel appropriate to do so.”
The cricket club was founded in 1871 and is located at the Ship Field in Alveston.
According to its website, Thornbury Cricket Club has three women’s teams, four men’s teams, and various youth teams.
In 2021, one of the club’s women’s teams competed in a national tournament at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, representing Gloucestershire.
A spokesperson for Thornbury Cricket Club previously told the Gazette that they want to upgrade facilities to support its women’s and girls’ teams.
They said: “We have applied for planning permission to extend our clubhouse to improve the facilities to support our thriving women’s and girls sections along with general improvements that can be enjoyed by the local community.”
The historic club is also known for its connections to famous cricketer W G Grace - William Gilbert Grace - who is widely considered one of the sport’s greatest players.
His brother EM Grace - Edward Mills Grace - was a doctor in Thornbury and also a founder of Thornbury Cricket Club.
You can view the full application quoting P24/00341/F or see here - tinyurl.com/4k6rzdvy
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