Great Places plans homes on cricket pitch

Social landlord Great Places and Seddon Construction are planning to build 83 homes on a 164-year-old cricket pitch in south Manchester.

They want to put up a mix of 65 houses and 18 flats at Longsight Cricket Club which was founded in 1848.

It apparently hosted a match between England and Australia in 1878 featuring WG Grace but has fallen into disrepair after the club's trustees could no longer afford its upkeep.

No games have been played on the pitch since 2004 but the clubhouse and a bowling green are still in use.

The applicants have agreed to build a new clubhouse and invest in sporting facilities at three nearby parks to make up for the loss of the ground.

But two residents have objected telling the council they fear congestion from the new homes and are upset about the loss of open land.

They said: "The cricket ground, founded in 1848, has been a central and very positive feature of this area for many generations, and it is tragic that some way has not been found to preserve this precious open space for cricket, or at least some other recreational use.

"At a time when playing fields are disappearing from the urban environment it is considered short-sighted to allow the loss of this opportunity."

The applicants say they held a public consultation event in November where the proposals were displayed and the feedback received was "generally supportive".

Councillors have been advised to approve the plan when it is considered on 19 January. Officers say if nothing is done it is unlikely the ground will be upgraded while the development will lead to improved facilities in the surrounding area.