Kent County Cricket Club granted permission to redevelop Beckenham grounds (From News Shopper)

Kent County Cricket Club granted permission to redevelop Beckenham grounds

3:45pm Monday 16th January 2012 in Cricket By Rachel Conner

KENT County cricket looks like it is staying in the borough after Bromley Council allowed a controversial application to redevelop the grounds.

The decision means Kent County Cricket Club [KCCC] will be able to build new all-weather pitches, an indoor multi-use training centre, a health and fitness centre, improved permanent spectator seating and a conference facility, as well as 48 houses which will be sold to raise the money to fund the rest of the development.

The decision was deferred from a previous meeting of the Development Control Committee because councillors were concerned about building on Metropolitan Open Land [MOL].

KCCC had previously said they would not renew their lease at the site in Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham, if the permission was not granted.

KCCC chief executive Jamie Clifford said: “We have been determined to secure a long term base in the Greater London area for the county and this decision brings that hope a step closer.

“I now look forward to establishing a thriving sporting centre of excellence, that will help us considerably in the development of talented young cricketers.

“I anticipate that this, coupled with our community programmes, will bring something very special and lasting to Bromley.”

Chairman of the Development Control Committee Councillor Peter Dean said: “While we realise there are a number of concerns to be balanced with this application, this is a special ground with very special circumstances.

“This is one of the best sports facilities in the area and redeveloped facilities will increase the leisure offer in Beckenham and benefit the local economy.

“Residents can be assured that the Committee considered at length all the relevant planning materials and policy considerations before deciding on balance that the application should be approved.”