A CRICKET club is set to build a new training facility that will benefit generations to come.

Davenham Cricket Club is celebrating after Cheshire West and Chester Council greenlit their plans for a three-lane net practice facility.

Work at the club, off Hartford Lane, is expected to begin soon with hopes it will be ready for the 2024 season.

Chairman Mark Jones said: “We can confirm that the planning application for our new three lane net practice facility at Davenham cricket club has been approved, and work will be starting on the nets during January so that they will be ready for the start of the season in April.

“This will provide a state-of-the-art facility for our senior sides, junior players and also the wider community for the next 20 years.

“The new practice facility is a significant investment for the Club, which is being supported by funding and loans from the ECB and we will also be launching a crowdfunding scheme in February.”

Northwich Guardian: What the facility could look likeWhat the facility could look like (Image: Dura-Sport)

The club submitted the application in October, with council officers giving it the thumbs up on December 7.

Karen Gallagher, junior co-ordinator at Davenham CC, said the development had become a necessity due to the club's packed schedule.

She said: “Last season through the main summer months there were games on most evenings and at weekend making it more difficult for enough genuine practice sessions to go around.

“Our current practice facility has been in place for 16 years and although it has been refurbished a few years ago it falls short of what is required.

“The new facility will be a three-bay enclosed facility constructed to English Cricket Board (ECB) guidelines and will allow practice sessions to go ahead even when games are being played on the square.

“This will open up new opportunities for further development in our women’s and girls’ teams and be available to the local community.”

The work will be completed by ECB-approved contractor, Dura-Sport, who have previously constructed similar facilities at both Warwickshire and Lancashire county cricket clubs.

Recommending the plans are approved, council officer Jill Stephens wrote: “The proposal results in improvement of facilities at an existing sport and recreation site, bringing the cricket club facilities in line with ECB guidelines, delivering sporting benefits.

“The proposal will replace existing facilities, moving away from residential dwellings and designed at a scale and design appropriate for the facility.”