St Mary Bourne Parish Council in a village near Andover has submitted a planning application to convert its cricket pavilion into a mixed-use facility that would house both a children’s nursery and the St Mary Bourne Cricket Club. The proposed change of use aims to transform the existing pavilion at Bourne Meadow into a facility that accommodates both the nursery and supports the activities of the cricket club.
Currently, the pavilion is rented out to Ninny’s House, a private nursery, and the cricket club. Ninny’s House has been utilizing the pavilion since August 2022 when it is not in use by the cricket teams. The cricket club has senior and junior teams as well as a Sunday League team.
To ensure smooth coordination of space, a collaborative agreement has been established among the parish council, the cricket club, and Ninny’s House. The planning application outlines significant efforts made to improve the pavilion’s interior, including renovations, repairs to the electricity wiring, the purchase of new appliances, and general improvements to meet nursery standards approved by Ofsted. The pavilion has been heated and used throughout the winter with any necessary maintenance costs covered by Ninny’s House.
Parking concerns have also been addressed in the application to ensure proper parking facilities for both the nursery and the cricket club.
Initially, the decision to accommodate Ninny’s House within the pavilion was a temporary solution due to the nursery losing access to its previous premises within the parish. This arrangement allowed for continued childcare services for families in the community. Additionally, the income generated from this partnership has paved the way for potential improvements in local facilities and infrastructure, as the parish council considers the pavilion’s replacement and broader renovation initiatives.
To view the planning application for the conversion of the cricket pavilion, interested parties can search with the reference name 23/01463/RET in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s planning portal.
The proposed conversion of the cricket pavilion into a mixed-use facility demonstrates a proactive approach by the St Mary Bourne Parish Council to meet the community’s needs. By accommodating both a children’s nursery and a cricket club, the facility will serve multiple purposes and cater to various groups within the village. This innovative use of existing infrastructure highlights the council’s commitment to making the most of available resources while enhancing local amenities. The project also signifies the collaboration between different stakeholders to ensure efficient space utilization and coordinated efforts.
As the planning application progresses, it will be interesting to see the potential impact on the village and how the transformed facility will benefit both the nursery and the cricket club. With proper consideration given to parking concerns and interior improvements already made, it seems that the conversion is well-planned and holds promise for the future. Overall, this initiative showcases the village’s efforts to adapt and evolve, ensuring that essential services and recreational activities are catered to effectively.
