"Rundown" Cricket Club pavilion in Surrey set for major redevelopment
Guildford council approves plan for a fresh clubhouse and additional padel courts at Ockham cricket club
Ockham Cricket Club has received approval from Guildford Borough Council for a significant redevelopment project that will transform its facilities.
The club plans to replace its deteriorating clubhouse with a new pavilion and four padel courts, alongside additional parking, enhancing its offerings for members and the local community.
According to planning documents submitted by the club, the current pavilion lacks compliance with English Cricket Board (ECB) guidelines and does not support the club's modern needs.
Club representatives have argued that refurbishing the existing facilities is not a viable solution and instead proposed constructing a new pavilion that aligns with ECB standards.
New sports facilities and community space
In addition to the pavilion, the project includes establishing four new padel courts available for club members and the public.
The renovations will also expand parking facilities, providing 54 standard spaces, six disabled spaces, and 10 overflow spaces for visitors.
The proposed clubhouse is designed to offer inclusive facilities for both sports participants and the community, with shared spaces for social engagement and catering, accessible to all community groups.
Community reaction and council decision
Local residents have largely expressed support for the project, recognising the benefits of modern and inclusive sports facilities.
Feedback from residents highlighted the growing popularity of padel and the potential for the new facilities to become a central community hub.
A resident mentioned the inclusive nature of padel, saying: “Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and can be played by all ages and abilities."
While some concerns were raised about potential traffic increases, Guildford Borough Council planning officers deemed the project's advantages outweigh any negative impact, noting its contribution to sport and community amenities.
Despite its location within the green belt, the council concluded that the development's benefits justify the approval, ensuring the site remains a vital recreational and community asset for the area.