Ombudsman criticises council after cricket club left stumped by planning permission

A village cricket club in Shropshire was forced to find a new venue after planners at Shropshire Council failed to put in place measures to prevent balls hitting a new house when it approved planning permission, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found.

The new home was so close to the wicket that the house and anyone in the garden were at risk of being hit by stray balls.

In fear of damaging the property or injuring residents, members of Hinstock Cricket Club chose to play home matches at another venue.

As a result, the club spent nearly two seasons in exile and had to fund its own trajectory report to discover what measures are needed to allow them to return home.

The Ombudsman’s investigation found the council did not consult with Sport England (the public body set up by the government to encourage sport in communities) before approving planning permission.

The council has now agreed to the report’s recommendations which suggest the council meet with the club to agree the most appropriate ball-strike mitigation measure and seek the most cost-effective quote for the work in time for the start of the 2020 cricket season.

Additionally, Shropshire should reimburse the Hinstock’s costs in commissioning the trajectory report and agree to bear financial responsibility for future maintenance of the fence. It should also offer to reimburse the club for its costs in hiring an alternative venue.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: “This is a stark example of how a planning oversight can have a significant impact on the community surrounding a new development.

“At a time when rural facilities are being lost, and physical activity and the nation’s health are high on the country’s agenda, it is all the more important that clubs such as these remain within the communities they serve.”

In a statement, Ian Kilby, Shropshire Council’s planning services manager said the council has agreed “to take action, which the Ombudsman regards as providing a satisfactory remedy for the complaint”.

He added: “The council must now consider the report and tell the Ombudsman within three months (or such longer period as the Ombudsman may agree) what action it has taken or proposes to take.”

Adam Carey