Cranford School in Moulsford, Oxfordshire, has submitted a planning application to develop a new cricket ground on former equestrian land off Wallingford Road in Cholsey.

The scheme includes the erection of a refreshment building and container/store as well as replacement access and associated parking and landscaping.

So far no public comments in support or objection have been submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council in response to the application.

The application’s planning statement states: “Cranford School is an independent co-educational day school for circa 600 pupils aged 3-18 years of age.

“As the number of pupils have grown at Cranford, the existing facilities for all sports have become increasingly stretched.

“Cricket, in particular, has grown exponentially in popularity at Cranford and while the school can host matches and training on reduced-scale cricket fields, it is not possible for the pupils to experience a full-sized cricket pitch other than when playing away.”

It adds: “It is anticipated that the school will use the cricket pitch during term time throughout the academic year.

“During term time, it is anticipated that there will be circa five games per week, which would require the use of two school minibuses to transport the pupils to and from the site.

“The proposal will help to provide urgently-needed improvements to the school infrastructure and facilities which will promote sport and recreation facilities for its pupils.

“The proposal would not result in visual harm to the area and would create a quintessential English cricket ground which would be entirely appropriate in this setting.”