Himbleton Cricket Club at risk of losing ground

The club was established in 1902, and has been using these cricket grounds for over 50 years. 

Planning in principle has been granted for seven houses - one block of three and one block of four. The technical detail plan for the first four of these houses has recently come through. 

"There is a field adjacent to the cricket club, which separates our car park from the pitch. For years it has been sheep grazing land, owned by a resident in Himbleton," said Stuart Dickenson, club captain at Himbleton Cricket Club.

Dickenson added: "He recently got planning in principle for seven houses, one block of three and one block of four, and once he had achieved that he moved out of the village.

"The first set of planning has come in for four houses, two of which back on immediately to the cricket field. The plot of four would cause us significant difficulties should they be built. The proximity of the wicket to the back garden is about 45 metres, about 60 to the house."

The cricket clubs' worry is that, with the houses being in such close proximity, issues will be caused with future residents - with a precedent existing for cricket clubs being forced to move. 

"Hundreds of balls end up in that field during a season, and if that was to be replicated with those houses there then we would be in all sorts of trouble," said Dickenson. "I can only foresee an issue where we end up in litigation or a court matter as they try and stop us playing.

"It is what has happened in the past with other clubs with housing developments being built next door to the ground.

"I don’t think the council are fully aware of the issues that could arise if they granted planning permission."

The ground has been used by the club since the 1950s (Image: Stuart Dickenson)

Other cricket clubs around the country have previously faced similar issues, with residents putting an injunction out against the cricket club playing, claiming that it ruins their quality of life, as well as their ability to enjoy their house. 

The planning is not without other issues, but Dickenson feels that the Wychavon District Council need to be made aware of the cricket clubs' perspective as well. 

"There are other planning issues such as additional flooding in the village, the junction is in an awful position that they are proposing, there is a school next door so there is parking and traffic issues to contend with," said Dickenson. "Those are the sorts of issues that the council will be looking at but we need to make them aware that if they do grant planning then this issue will continue."

The loss of the club would likely be devastating to many within the community. Some members have played at the ground for over 50 years, since the club moved there. 

Dickenson said: "It has been there since the 1950s, on that piece of land. For a lot of people who have played there for 50-odd years it would be dreadful for them. It would be pretty miserable really if people had to stop playing.

"We have now got a youth section which is developing, there are 70 members.

"It is the heart of our community. I think it would affect not just the members, but the village itself and other cricket clubs."

Ciaran Power, Head of Planning Services for Wychavon District Council, said: "A previous application approved in December 2022 has already established the site is suitable for housing in principle. This application will look at the exact detail of what is being proposed and determine if it is acceptable. All relevant factors will be considered and weighted against the various policies when reaching a decision."

Wychavon District Council have confirmed that ball striking and the potential impact on the amenity of those who may occupy the houses is one of the relevant factors that is referred to in the above comment.