Cricket club gets go-ahead to build its new ground

Actions from the Rod Warhurst Cup Final, Augustinians v Lightcliffe at Old Crossleyans CC, Halifax.
Augustinians celebrate a wicket. — Actions from the Rod Warhurst Cup Final, Augustinians v Lightcliffe at Old Crossleyans CC, Halifax. Augustinians celebrate a wicket.

Augustinians Cricket Club is not able to play any matches due to not having a ground, and its application includes a car park, access and ten storage containers, each about 40ft high.

Objectors raised concerns that the containers would blight the landscape for those using the public footpath next to the land.

Speaking on behalf of local residents, objector Robert Halstead said: “The site has laid undisturbed for 700 years.

“Our concerns centre around the ten metal containers, which would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area, which is contrary to the legislation.

“These containers are permanent, which amount to buildings in planning law, and we don’t think these are acceptable.

“Ten containers of that size will have an impact in a location that is accessible to the public.”

Coun Christine Beal (Con, Rastrick) added: “There is no evidence that this application meets the relevant criteria.

“There are question marks about this being a suitable use of green belt land and a lack of evidence of community support and need for it.”

Phil Hawdon, of Hawden Russell Architects, speaking on behalf of the cricket club, argued the group of containers were roughly the size of two semi-detached houses but said the club would have no objections to a time limit being imposed on their use.

The site is currently owned by the council and is expected to be handed to the cricket club on a 25-year lease.