The Application to Create a Cricket Ground on The Leaze
In late February the EDDC Planning Department received an Application from 'Hampreston Estates Ltd' to site a Cricket Ground on The Leaze off King Street. 'Hampreston Estates Ltd' is a 'shell company'; its total assets quoted in its last published accounts are 'minus £1022.00' so, clearly, the Company is in no position to carry out such a project. The Directors of the Company are Mr Paul Davenport and the late Mr Christopher Dollery who as 'Ashvilla Estates Ltd' were involved, 5 years ago, in the attempt to build a supermarket on the Streets Meadow site. 'Hampreston Estates Ltd' may be acting on behalf of Waitrose or it is seeking to acquire the Planning Permission in order to prompt Waitrose to submit its application to build on the existing Cricket Ground. The 'routine' notices advising of the Application were first put up on 14 March 2007 and comment was requested by 6 April. KWTG provided comprehensive comment and many KWTG Supporters wrote letters and e-mails to the Planning Department. In a Report dated 3 April, the Officers of the Planning Department recommended that the Planning Committee refuse the Application because of the danger of balls being hit into the gardens of the houses of Julians Road and any attempt to introduce fencing, walling or netting along this boundary would be detrimental to the residents' amenities and their construction would have a negative impact on the harmonious landscape of the Conservation Area. The proposal was judged to be contrary to the East Dorset Local Plan in relation to safety and disturbance and that it would not preserve or enhance the character of the Conservation Area. The protection of trees that provide a visual amenity was also a concern. The Development Plan for the area, which currently comprises the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan 2000 and the East Dorset Local Plan, had been, it was said, taken into account. We were advised that the Application would be considered by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 17 April and several of us were there to hear the 'Head of Planning and Building Control' announce that the Applicant had, on the previous day, withdrawn the Planning Application for amendment. In the event, the revised Application was heard by the Planning Committee on 17 July. The plans had been amended such that the batting crease nearest to the gardens of the houses in Julians Road would be 82 metres from them. Although we demonstrated that Wimborne Cricket Club players regularly hit balls 85 metres or more, the Planning Department recommended that the Application be approved despite having received over 60 letters of objection. It was stressed that the Application should be judged in terms of its own merits and not be regarded as being associated with a potential application for the development of the existing Cricket Ground. Councillors Hearn and Wallace expressed concerns about balls being propelled into existing gardens whilst Councillor Hazel pointed out that the playing of Cricket on the site would create a nuisance for the householders of Julians Road. The Application, however, was approved with 11 votes for, one against - Councillor Wallace, and one abstention - Councillor Hazel. It will be interesting to see if preparations for the new Ground begin before Waitrose submits an application in respect of the existing Cricket Ground - Waitrose had advised KWTG that the Leaze Application would be part of its application for the supermarket. If this happens, it will mean that either Waitrose or The Deanscourt Estate is prepared to finance the work in anticipation of a successful outcome to an application to build upon the existing Ground.