Residents in Nantwich have voiced concerns over plans by the town’s cricket club to expand its clubhouse.
A number of residents of Sycamore Close in Nantwich attended Nantwich Town Council to air their fears.
They say the planned first floor extension will intrude on their privacy as it will overlook their gardens and homes which back on to the club.
The club has submitted plans to Cheshire East Council to expand its facilities off Whitehouse Lane, including a new first floor extension “to provide new first floor changing facilities, an access stairwell and a balcony”.
One of the residents David Gater told councillors on Thursday: “I’m representing those unable to be here.
“We’ve got a very good relationship with the cricket club, this is not a personal issue with anyone there.
“But we did not see the application until February 13 and we wish to raise formal objections.
“A hedge has already been removed and the impact has been considerable, impacting birds and hedgehogs nesting there.
“A significant amount of hardcore has been laid to the back and side, and in essence this has created a road! It’s now become a thoroughfare with cars and trade vehicles using it.
“But the back of the pavilion is used by children playing and as a result with vehicles using that access it is dangerous.
“Also, the proposed 0.8 metre increase in the height of the club will result in a loss of view and will impact on most of the neighbours.
“An outside balcony and stairwell will result in increased noise and enable the club to see into the gardens of homes on Sycamore Close.”
Nantwich Town Council agreed to raise these concerns with Cheshire East planners.
They said: “The Town Council wishes to submit this additional representation to ensure that the residents’ views are fully considered as part of the planning process. The Council supports residents in raising the issues, which they believe to be reasonable and justified.”
We revealed last month the club had submitted plans for the extension.
In a report submitted to Cheshire East, the club’s planners say: “Following an assessment of the application site and its surroundings, several constraints and opportunities associated with the proposed development have been identified.”
It says there is space for parking, storage and turning within the site, the existing building has space to accommodate the proposed first floor extension, and there would be no overlooking of neighbouring homes.
“The proposal seeks to improve changing room facilities and viewing of matches for the teams. It will not result in a change in any of the wider site’s present uses,” adds the report.
The proposals do not extend the footprint of the existing building.
“It is contended the proposed development comprises sustainable development that accords to the requirements of the development plan, NPPF and other matters of acknowledged importance.
“There are no sustainable planning, highways, nor other material reasons upon which this application can be reasonably refused.
“Any adverse impacts of this development do not significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits. Cheshire East Council is therefore respectfully requested to support this proposal.”
A decision was due to be delegated to Cheshire East planning officers.
Typical Nantwich Nimbys, complain about any change to the town, they need to understand it’s no longer the 1960’s and get a life.
It’s a cricket club, not a nightclub so the increase in noise and disturbance I think is negligible.
And to think that those players and staff sat on the balcony will prefer to look into your gardens rather than the match they are participating in is nonsense.
This is a well run club that contributes to the community of Nantwich and encourages players to join at whatever standard, age, gender or ethnicity and should be supported and not suffocated.
Is there nothing that people won’t object to?! Small wonder this country is in such decline when even something as innocuous as the extension of a cricket club is faced with first-world problems such as those listed.