Speed of cricket balls could stump housing scheme

A row over the speed of balls being hit by cricket batsmen could delay a major housing scheme.

Developers were granted permission to convert an office building next to Crossflatts Cricket Club in Bingley into 139 flats subject to a cricket ball risk assessment over concerns about the risk to future residents of flying balls.

Aire Valley Ltd submitted its assessment and has applied to have that planning condition removed to progress the development.

However, Sport England said it had not been produced by a qualified consultant and underestimated the power of some of the players’ shots.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the planning application to convert the office block on Croft Road into 139 flats was approved by Bradford Council in 2021, with work on its conversion starting late last year.

However, when the risk assessment was submitted by developers in summer this year, its accuracy was queried by Sport England.

Aire Valley House Ltd's assessment suggested a 10ft (3m) tall fence along a stretch of the club boundary would be enough to stop balls from landing in the new development.