Merstham CC applies for container at The Ring

Merstham Cricket Club has applied for permission to install a container behind the existing clubhouse at The Ring.

The club’s work there on the ground in September, in preparation for next summer, demonstrates the need to be able to store the appropriate equipment at the ground to prepare and maintain the playing surface.

Placing a metal storage container (6.1m x 2.44m x 2.44m high) would enable the club to do this. The area would cover 15 square metres and the application is for a period of five years.

With the proposal affecting common land, the application has had to be made to the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The planning inspectorate will decide on behalf of Defra.

The application details how the container is required to provide storage space for equipment/machines required to maintain the cricket green and to fulfil the requirements of the club’s lease. It is also needed for bulky pieces of playing equipment.

A building previously used by now defunct Redhill & Old Coulsdon CC to store equipment, close to the proposed site, which was far larger than the proposed container, has been removed.  The container will not prevent or impede access to or over Earlswood Common, on which the pavilion and cricket pitch is situated.

This cricket green is used by the club’s Saturday third and fourth teams, as well as occasionally on Sundays, plus for some junior matches. Merstham’s use of the land for cricket follows a long and proud tradition established by Redhill CC and then Redhill & Old Coulsdon CC.

Merstham CC has about 75 adult playing members and 250 junior members, with both sections - but particularly the youth section in particular - having expanded rapidly over the years. The club’s use of The Ring on Earlswood Common forms part of its strong commitment to members and the local community in providing cricket opportunities at all levels.

Members can support the proposals by commenting in writing to the Planning Inspectorate at Room 3/25B, Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN or email commonlandcasework@pins.gsi.gov.uk