'Cricketers need more facilities'

Barton Road cricket ground in Headington is one of the sites earmarked for homes in Oxford City Council’s Sites and Housing Development Plan document.

But Simon Porter, president of Oxford Cricket Club, said: “Cricket facilities are lacking in the city.

“There are not many grounds in the city and I would like to see more space made available for cricket and other sports as well.

“The Barton Road ground is small but it would do as a youth cricket ground.”

Headington United Cricket Club left Barton Road in 1998 because it was too small for them. The team had been there since the 1950s.

Soon after moving it merged with other cricket clubs to form Oxford Cricket Club which plays at the sports club on Roman Way, Cowley, where owners BMW allow the club to rent a pitch.

Mr Porter said: “We are dependant on the good will of others at the moment.”

Barton Road cricket ground is two-and-a-half acres in size, and according to the city council, it would be appropriate for housing given that it sits in a residential area.

The council needs more development sites to come forward to meet a projected shortfall in homes.

But county councillor Roz Smith said several residents have expressed concern about it.

She said: “The site could be used for affordable housing but the design will be absolutely crucial.

“We don’t want big blocks of student flats. It has got to be very sympathetic to the area.”

Chris Clements, the chairman of Oxfordshire Cricket Board, agreed with Mr Porter.

He said: “It is quite hard to get cricket grounds, so anything councils can do to bring life back to places where recreational cricket can be played is only a good thing.”

Councillor Mark Lygo, executive member for parks and sports, suggested developers could make contributions towards sport in the city but said he could not comment fully until an application was submitted.

The Sites and Housing development plan is due to go to public consultation shortly.