Cricket club’s revamp faces rejection after neighbours hit out at proposals

Sutton-In-Craven Cricket Club, between Skipton and Keighley, wants to create a new cricket pavilion and parking for 12 vehicles to replace its current facilities, which are described as “inadequate.”

But members of Craven Council’s Planning Committee will be advised to refuse permission when they meet to discuss the amended application on Wednesday.

The new single-storey pavilion would accommodate changing rooms, toilets, kitchen facilities and a 70 square metre lounge, with viewing windows over the cricket pitch.

Sutton-In-Craven Parish Council is supporting the scheme.

In a report to be considered by councillors the parish council says: “A new pavilion will enable the club to gain the modern facilities it needs to sustain and grow, promoting the provision of sport in the village.

“The parish council considers the cricket club an important asset to the village and fully supports this application.”

But the occupants of a neighbouring property have objected, raising concerns including the proximity of the proposed building and car parking to the property and fears it would bring spectators closer to their garden.

The report says the local planning authority considers that 
the proposed siting “of the cricket pavilion and associated car 
parking within close proximity 
of the neighbouring property, ‘The Coach House’, would 
result in an unreasonable loss of amenity for the occupants of the dwelling by reason of the increased activity and general disturbance, particularly during the evenings”.

It adds: “It is recognised that the application proposals would provide facilities for the cricket club that would have community benefit. However, in this case it is considered that the unacceptable impact on the amenities of the neighbouring occupants outweigh any benefits.”