A moorland village sports club is seeking a further expansion of its buildings.

In December 2023, Edgworth Cricket Club was given planning permission for a single-storey in-fill extension to the clubhouse and outdoor spectator terrace at its Bolton Road, Turton, ground.

Now David Enright from the club, which has operated from the site since 1902, has applied to the Blackburn with Darwen Council for a further upgrade.

This includes the demolition of its catering hut, a new storage building and open-air practice nets enclosure, the erection of a new outdoor catering hut, and the building of a new scoreboard/storage building with a spectator terrace above.

The plans also include a new indoor practice nets facility, an open-sided covers store, a single-storey bottle and keg storage extension to the rear of the clubhouse, a new pergola to the side of the clubhouse, and a second new spectator terrace.

Some elements of the proposed development are located within protected 'Green Belt' countryside.

A supporting statement with the application says: "The proposed facilities outlined within this application are intended to serve existing members, players and community.

"The existing facilities are used by the local community in plentiful demand. The clubhouse in the main hub of Edgworth village.

"Following the previous expansion of the club, its popularity has soared. The facilities are particularly worn and somewhat of an eyesore compared with the recently renovated clubhouse and MUGA facilities.

"While the digital scoreboard itself is of good quality, the scorekeeper's room and attached storage building are in general disrepair.

"Due to the customer demand in the clubhouse bar, the current barrel/keg storage and stockroom facilities are significantly inadequate."

The proposed works comprise of four key elements:

  • clubhouse works comprising single-storey rear extension to provide barrel and keg storage, addition of pergola fitting to existing clubhouse, and new external terrace finish to new and existing areas around clubhouse;
  • construction of single storey catering hut;
  • erection of new structure around the existing practice nets/lanes; and
  • a purpose-built structure to accommodate a scorekeeper's room, digital scoreboard, adequate storage facilities for groundsmen equipment, and seasonal-use spectating platform.

The plans add: "The clubhouse extension simply comprises of a single-storey, flat-roofed rear extension to accommodate a storage facility for barrels and kegs.

"The pergola fitting will provide all-weather external seating facilities.

"The proposed nets enclosure will provide a facility to enable opportunities to practice cricket all year round.

"The existing practice nets are open to the elements and only suitable for seasonal usage.

"The catering hut building will offer a facility for external caterers to work from.

"Cugini Pizza have resided at the cricket club for some years. The proposed catering hut provides accommodation for their working needs but on an independent basis."