THE future of cricket at Dean Park will be in the hands of council planners on Monday.

Owner Dean Park Cricket Ltd, which bought the site from the Cooper Dean Estate in 2014, wants to build three all-weather pitches around the northern and eastern edges of the existing ground, rendering it unsuitable for club cricket.

The ground has been home to both Dorset and Hampshire county cricket clubs, but the last user, Parley Cricket Club, departed in 2016 citing concerns over a potential increase in fees.

The applicant is linked with nearby independent Park School, which would have primary use of the new facilities, including using the remainder of the pitch for school cricket.

A missive from town centre councillor Mike Greene is among 10 objections to the scheme.

He said: "The development will mean the ground can no longer be used as a community facility to host club or county cricket.

"The development will mean a loss of grass area for sport. Although Astro surfaces are proposed, there is a fundamental change in the sport which can be played.

"There is concern that use might have detrimental effect on the amenity of residential neighbours and I would want assurance on how this will be averted."

Sport England has also objected. Its principal planning manager Bob Sharples states in a letter: "Sport England’s policy is to oppose the granting of planning permission for any development which would lead to the loss of, or prejudice the use of, all/part of a playing field."

Also, he wrote: "In discussions it has been suggested that a full or half size hockey AGP may be preferable despite the impact on the cricket. This is something which we strongly

suggest is explored."

Objectors also called for the council to ensure the ground, which has deteriorated over the past few years according to the applicant, is well maintained.

Council officers have again backed the plans.

A report to the board by planning officer Ruth Povey states: "The proposal will not result in the loss of the ground for sports use, but rather will make for a wider choice of sports provision, to the benefit of Park School, amongst others.

"The all-weather pitches will be able to be used all year round, avoiding the current situation whereby heavy rain can restrict the suitability of the ground for sports use.

"There are alternative facilities available as the council’s playing pitch strategy demonstrates, and further, the proposal does not mean cricket cannot be played at Dean Park, just that it would not be a pitch of a size to facilitate test or competitive matches."

The report also states that the council has no powers to "demand the upkeep of the wicket at this private cricket ground", and dismisses the Sport England hockey pitch proposal due to the visual impact of such a large pitch.

The meeting is at 2.30pm at the town hall.