South Shields oldest cricket club edges closer to a new home - but red tape could still leave players stumped

South Tyneside's oldest cricket club’s 15-year fight to move grounds has taken a step forward – despite more red tape approvals being needed before a ball can be bowled.

Council planners say they have agreed to change the designation of land for what will be South Shields CC’s new home from educational use to sport.

While their decision equates to progress, they admit further hurdles remain in the club’s bid to play on land behind Epinay School at Whiteleas.

Importantly, the site has yet to be extracted from the long-standing Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement which built the school in around 2007.

Latest planning documents which confirm the land use change also show limited opposition to the field being used to house the cricket club.

Former councillors Robin Coombes and Ken Dawes said residents feared the effects of more parking, noise and even floodlighting.

Six householders also wrote to the council to express their concerns, which include possible poor drainage and increased traffic from players, spectators, parents and visitors.

They also asked if the clubhouse would have an alcohol licence and queried the proximity of it to their properties.

And they expressed worry about the loss of existing open green space and their view towards Cleadon Hills being diminished – and that they may be struck by six-hit cricket balls.

However, three letters of support were received, including one from a resident who described the cricket ground plan as a “great addition to the local area”.

They said the scheme would help reduce child obesity and “bring new hobbies and interest to the youth of the area”.

The cricket club has played at its current home at Wood Terrace, Westoe, since 1868 and shares part of its playing field with Westoe Rugby Club.

Under the plan, the rugby club will take over the entire Wood Terrace field, with tennis and squash facilities also remaining.

Officials who had hoped first team matches could be played at the Epinay site next season, recently confirmed that was now unlikely due to a planning hold-up.

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They said the delay had been caused by the PFI contract holder not yet signing the playing field over to the council.

In response, the council admitted the scheme had taken longer than anticipated to progress but insisted it was continuing to engage with the club and other parties.

Of the new land use approval, the council confirmed the project now had planning permission in place.

It also said the scheme remained subject to the release of land from the PFI, with discussions regarding that ongoing.

A spokesperson added: “The council continues to progress proposals for a new sports facility on the former school pitches behind Epinay School, which will enhance sports provision in the borough.

“The proposed scheme remains subject to a number of processes and approvals, including the release of land from the existing PFI agreement.

“Discussions with the relevant parties regarding the release of land are ongoing

“The council continues to work constructively with South Shields Cricket Club and other stakeholders.”