Hotel could end cricket ground’s 333-year innings

THE gentle thwack of leather on willow has been reassuringly constant on Mitcham Cricket Green since 1685.

As such, the local cricket ground claims to be the oldest in the world.

However, members have warned that the south London club’s historic 333-year stand risks being brought to an end by developers hoping to build a hotel on the conservation site.

The Leatherhead-based Phoenix Grp Investments Ltd purchased the site, which includes the pavilion, a derelict Grade II listed pub and a large, unused car park, several years ago but has as yet done nothing with it.

“The severity of this cannot be underestimated,” Tony Burton, trustee of the Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group, told The Daily Telegraph. “There is nothing stopping them walking in tonight and locking the doors.”

Mr Burton said that in the absence of a lease, the club has found it almost impossible to secure much-needed funding and investment. It has issued an urgent call to arms before a public meeting scheduled for next Monday at which Phoenix is expected to divulge its development plans.

“We believe Phoenix want Mitcham Cricket Club to cease to exist so they can redevelop the site,” it said.

“They have refused to answer any of our letters for the past three years. They have reneged on agreements made in previous meetings. And they have not consulted with us about any plans for redevelopment.

“Any new planning permission must include the transfer of ownership of the pavilion to allow year-round community use.

“We want to save our club and continue 333 years of cricket on the green.”

Mr Burton added: “Locals are not against some sort of development of the site but we just want assurances over the pavilion. There are five teams based here, including a women’s team and junior teams – hundreds are involved. The sense of identity that it gives Mitcham is profound.”

Phoenix did not respond to a request for comment.