West Berkshire Council planners refuse permission for East Garston cricket pitch project

PLANS for a cricket pitch in East Garston have been rejected by planners.

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

In a letter to planners, he pointed out that records showed there was a cricket pitch on the site during the 1970s and noted that 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 letter concluded: "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."

East Garston Parish Council raised no objections and Sports England was supportive of the venture, predicting a rising need for cricket provision in West Berkshire.

There was one letter of objection from a member of the public citing concerns that the project could "urbanise the area".

It added: "I would be very concerned about the number of cars that may come onto this area, especially from visiting teams."

A planning officer's report conceded: "The amount of agricultural land to be directly lost will be limited."

However, it added: "It is considered the proposal makes no significant contribution to the wider economic dimensions of sustainable development.

"The proposals fail to protect and enhance the prevailing pattern of development in the area and the site, specifically in terms of highway and local drainage impacts.

"For the above reasons it is considered that the proposed development is not supported by the presumption in favour of sustainable development."

The report concluded: "Planning permission is not justified for the proposed development.

"As such, the application is recommended for refusal."