West Berkshire Council planners consider East Garston cricket pitch project

PLANS have been submitted for a cricket pitch in East Garston.

Freddie Tulloch, licensee of village pub restaurant The Queen's Arms, wants to create the pitch on a plot of agricultural land between Newbury Road and the River Lambourn.

In a letter to planners, Mr Tulloch and his wife Sue state: "We would like to make use of the land as a cricket pitch.

In a letter to planners, Mr Tulloch and his wife Sue state: "We would like to make use of the land as a cricket pitch.

"There has been a cricket pitch on this site in the past which is featured in the book East Garston Past and Present.

"We don’t know the exact dates but think it was around the 1970’s... at some stage it reverted back to a paddock for equestrian use."

The current public spaces in the village, including the Millennium Field and Jubilee Meadow, are deemed unsuitable for cricket due to their size, shape and topography.

The Tullochs add: "Whilst East Garston does not actually have a cricket team at present there are a large number of parishioners who play (including five Tullochs) and we would like to use the site for friendly matches against local sides.

"It will promote and encourage participation in sport as well as providing an additional outdoor space for the local community."

The application can be viewed in full, and commented on, by visiting the planning section of West Berkshire Council's website and using the reference 22/00948/COMIND.