Cricket grunts test patience of the neighbours

IF ONE were looking for the quintessential sound of an English summer, few would argue with the gentle thwack of leather on willow.

But the noise of cricket being played has become too much for residents of a new housing development in Darlington, who have taken specific exception to the sound of players grunting.

The unlikely dispute started when Darlington Cricket Club submitted a retrospective planning application for a new all-weather practice area.

Darlington, of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League, have played at the ground since 1866 without causing offence.

But the club was hit with objections from people living on the new development being built on the site of Darlington Football Club’s former stadium, adjacent to the cricket ground.

The joint objection, from a number of residents, states: “Based on our experiences of last season we are concerned over noise from bat on ball, bats striking frames of the nets, noise from the effort or bowling and batting; and noise and foul language from patrons and observers. We cannot use our firstfloor balconies due to the noise.”

Members of Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee will hear complaints from residents whose homes overlook the club’s ground off South Terrace in the town centre.

The application has been recommended for approval by council officers, but with conditions attached.