Plans revealed to build Sheffield's first new cricket ground in more than 80 years

The city has lost 18 cricket pitches over recent years but the council now plans to create a new one at Norton.

It wants to build a pavilion to use as a clubhouse, a new access road, car parking, a 15m high ball stop netting and a scoreboard on Matthews Lane recreation field.

The council says the site is good quality for outdoor sport as it’s secure, flat and not exposed.

But due to high leasing costs, it’s been left unused and vacant and has attracted anti-social behaviour.

The council says the upkeep was a “financial burden” but Norton Woodseats Cricket Club, which has been based at Graves Park for many years, will now move to the new pitch.

In a planning application, the council says: “The topography of the park is not suitable for higher level play which restricted the activities of the club and threatened their future.

“Matthews Lane is close to Graves Park and offered a solution. The club now has a 25-year lease for Matthews Lane which enabled a successful grant application to Sport England, resulting in an award of £75,000 towards the construction of a new pavilion.

“Further funding was made available from section 106 planning money and compensation for the loss of cricket facilities at a Sheffield Hallam University site on Warminster Road including a maintenance allowance.

“The council has obligations to replace the lost university facility and Matthews Lane is the only feasible site in the city. It is also in the catchment area previously served by the university site.

“In recent years, over 18 cricket grounds have been lost in Sheffield. The Playing Pitch Strategy for Sheffield shows a shortage of pitches to meet current and future demand.

“A new cricket ground, the first in over 80 years, will help address this shortfall.”

The club has partnered with a local football club and two junior pitches have been provided. It will also offer other health-related activities using the pavilion.

Officers are considering the plans which can be viewed here

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