The Lee Cricket Club – the appealBy Jon Swain
The issue of the nets has now been resolved. The Club’s appeal against the refusal of planning permission was heard on 22nd January, and the decision of the Planning Inspector received on the 7th February. Unfortunately the appeal was dismissed, and so the nets we need so much will have to be dismantled and the concrete base dug up. We now have no nets.
The objectors to the location of the nets put forward the argument that the nets could be located elsewhere on the ground, or on adjacent land not occupied by the Cricket Club. Chiltern District Council’s representative, accompanied by a Planning Officer, appeared to adopt this suggestion. The Inspector seems to have accepted these possibilities when considering the merits of the case. However, both have failed to understand that there is no other location for the nets, because of the size and shape of our ground.
Nets have to face into the ground, (but not into the sun) so that balls hit out of them do not disappear into surrounding land. That is why the nets were originally and historically where they were. Nets running parallel to the boundary are therefore simply unworkable, even if we were granted permission to place them on the lower edge of the ground. In addition to this, the Planning Department has recommended refusal of an application for the refurbishment of the Clubhouse which mainly amounted to a pitched tiled roof with clock, something that would have enhanced the appearance of the building.
That seems to indicate the approach of the Department. Returning to the nets, this was, to many, a surprising decision. We believe that the Cricket Club is a valuable community asset, in a village which has few amenities for young people. We believe that those who choose to live next to cricket grounds, enjoying the benefit of 8 months of tranquillity, and the protection from unsightly developments such as huge and hideous ‘executive’ homes with Dallas-style accoutrements, should accept the increase in activity which enthusiasm and success may bring. That is being part of a community, and, through buying any house, that is what you become. Whether an occupier is a valuable part of a community is down to him or her of course. We do not choose our neighbours when they move in; they choose us.
The Cricket Club will move on from this blow; there is so much enthusiasm, commitment and support from people who want to put back something into the community and we will overcome the decision by imaginative use of our existing facilities. We have managed to produce a number of Junior County and District players, a staggering achievement for a village side, and we will provide them with all the coaching facilities they need. It is such a shame that unnecessary obstacles have been put in our way.
We look forward to the new season, and the joyful sounds of cricketers of all ages participating in that wonderful game, in matches or even at practice. For what is the quintessential English summer without the sound of leather on willow on a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Ed: You can read the article from the Mail on Sunday on the Internet here.