Concerns Raised Over Cricket Facilities in Waterlooville Development

As the housing development in Waterlooville accelerates, new concerns have arisen regarding the cricket facilities proposed in the latest stage of the project. Phase B of the Newlands initiative—commonly referred to as the Berewood Estate—will introduce new cricket pitches, yet there are significant challenges relating to the feasibility and quality of the intended sports infrastructure.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), together with Sport England, has raised significant objections, expressing concerns about whether the design and planning meet the high standards required for contemporary cricket facilities. The primary issue highlighted by the ECB pertains to the lack of a detailed drainage plan, which is crucial to ensure that the pitches can endure adverse weather conditions and remain suitable for play throughout the season.

Detailed documents from the council indicate that Sport England has expressed similar concerns, highlighting that the proposed plans do not align with the essential criteria specified in their guidelines for sports facilities. Their objections reveal a significant issue: without a well-executed design, the cricket pitch may not only fall short of the standards required for competitive play but could also pose risks to nearby areas, including the planned multi-use sports courts.

This development arises as David McCarthy from West Waterlooville Developments, in collaboration with Grainger PLC, files their application with Winchester City Council and Havant Borough Council. Although most of the land is under Winchester’s jurisdiction, the local council will ultimately make the final decision on the application.

The proposal aims to secure approval for the landscaping details of the entire town park, which encompasses the design and layout of the cricket pitch as well as the adjacent sports facilities. However, the ECB is adamant about obtaining a more comprehensive drainage plan for the sports pitch, ensuring that the facility adheres to the high standards set by both local clubs and national organizations.

Complicating the situation further is the close location of the proposed cricket pitch to other sporting facilities, such as multi-use games areas and informal spectator spots. The ECB has called for a ball strike risk assessment to be carried out to assess the safety concerns, particularly since these areas are popular with the public. The board has recommended the installation of ball-stop netting as a precautionary measure.

To accelerate the process and ensure the cricket pitch is operational as soon as possible, the ECB has suggested installing temporary pavilion cabins. This approach would enable the pitch to be used while the permanent pavilion is being built. The cricket pavilion, which is part of a different application approved in March 2022, continues to be a key component of the project's long-term vision.

Additionally, the proposed landscape design outlines plans for various play areas designed to encourage community involvement and promote ecological awareness. Elements such as bat and bird boxes, along with a range of plant species, aim to enhance local wildlife habitats and provide educational experiences for visitors. These carefully considered features embody the overarching vision for the park—one that harmonizes recreational activities with environmental sustainability.

Nevertheless, despite the overall objectives of the development, the pressing question is whether the cricket facilities can meet the high standards set by the ECB and other regulatory bodies. The ultimate decision regarding planning application reference 24/01695/REM, which was initially expected earlier this year, has not yet been finalized. As the project moves forward, it is essential for the developers to tackle these issues to guarantee that Waterlooville’s cricket pitch fulfills the requirements of the local community while also maintaining the sport's integrity.