Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Green light for stadium plan
Kent County Cricket Club’s bid to revamp its stadium has been given the green light - despite fears the scheme will “obliterate” the site’s history.
The Canterbury site unveiled its proposals to expand the Spitfire Ground’s stands, redevelop its entrance and relocate its war memorial at the end of last year.
Club bosses stressed their vision would “enhance” the arena - but residents raised concerns it would instead be “bland and characterless”. However, city council officials have now approved the plans after concluding the changes would be in-keeping with the rest of the area.
“The proposal is considered to have sufficient regard for the character, setting and context of the application site and shall preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area,” an officer said. “Given its separation distance from the nearest residential properties, it is considered that it would not result in any unacceptable loss of light, privacy or have an overbearing impact for neighbours.”
In use since 1847, the Old Dover Road venue has had many updates over the years - the most recent being the construction of a block of retirement flats on the edge of the site. Documents lodged with the local authority by the club also say the project will create a better-looking pedestrian way in into the arena.
Among those to object to the proposal was resident Peter Mickleburgh, who raised concerns it would encourage loitering, littering and drinking. The Canterbury Heritage Design Forum also branded the scheme “bland and characterless”.
The club plans to extend its coaches’ boxes and expand the Frank Woolley Stand’s viewing room. These works will add three additional coaches’ boxes, two officials’ boxes and new bathroom facilities. Papers submitted to the local authority by the club say: “The development seeks to enhance the sense of arrival, presence and overall security of the site.”