Community hub set to replace cricket clubhouse

A "tired and rundown" cricket clubhouse in Surrey is to be knocked down and replaced with a community building with four padel courts.

Ockham Cricket Club sought permission from Guildford Borough Council to build a new pavilion and sports facilities as well as a groundsman's hut.

A club spokesperson argued the current building is no longer fit for purpose in line with English Cricket Board (ECB) guidance.

Guildford Borough Council (GBC) planning officers approved the plans and said the enhanced facilities would "deliver a significant enhancement" to sport and community facilities in the area.

The club said the new clubhouse would provide "inclusive facilities for home and away teams and officials, club members and spectators, as well as providing a social space".

Residents overwhelmingly responded positively to the proposals, praising its potential as an asset to the community, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

While the site falls within the green belt – which would normally see stringent restrictions placed on development – GBC officers deemed the scheme's benefits to "clearly outweigh" any potential impact.

"The development would secure the long-term future and viability of the site as an important recreational and community asset", officers wrote in their approval.

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