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Search the Public Notice PortalA row has broken out over plans to build new padel courts in Morecambe, with Trimpell Sports and Social Club strongly rejecting claims made by cricket authorities.
The club has submitted proposals to install two outdoor padel courts with floodlighting at its Out Moss Lane site.
But the application has triggered a formal objection from Sport England, which raised concerns from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about the impact on cricket provision at the ground.
Now, in a strongly worded response, the club has accused cricket bodies of making "entirely incorrect" claims, escalating tensions over the future of sport at the venue.
Claims rejected
Sport England's objection included comments from the ECB, stating that cricket organisations had explored using the facility but were told cricket was not wanted on the site.
The ECB also warned that building on the cricket outfield would "prejudice the use of the ground for cricket" and objected to the proposal.
However, Trimpell Sports and Social Club has firmly denied the claims.
In a detailed response submitted to planners, the club said it was "extremely disappointed" and insisted it had never been contacted by either the ECB or the Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
The club said: "This statement is entirely incorrect.
"Trimpell Sports and Social Club has never been contacted, nor has the club ever stated that it does not want cricket on site."
It added: "To include such a statement within a formal consultation response without verifying its accuracy is disappointing and risks presenting a misleading picture of the club's position."
The club also suggested the objection had come without proper engagement, stating: "It is surprising that no such engagement appears to have taken place prior to lodging an objection."
Sport England, meanwhile, said the application had not demonstrated the playing field is no longer required, adding that the site could still be used by other cricket teams in future.
Financial pressures and changing sport
The club says the proposal reflects financial realities and changing participation trends, rather than any opposition to cricket.
According to its response, maintaining the cricket square cost around £7,500 per year, with the club subsidising the facility for many years despite limited return.
Officials said the on-site cricket club had already declined from two teams to one before leaving in 2025, reflecting wider pressures on grassroots cricket.
They also pointed to the number of nearby clubs in Morecambe, Bare, Torrisholme and Westgate, arguing there is already significant cricket provision locally.
Boost for new sport
Backers of the scheme say the padel courts would bring a new and fast-growing sport to the area, with no existing local facilities.
Planning documents highlight that padel is increasingly popular across the UK and accessible to a wide range of users.
The Lawn Tennis Association has indicated support in principle, noting demand for courts in the Lancaster area, although it also stressed the need to consider existing provision carefully.
The club argues the development would diversify sport at the site rather than replace it.
In its submission, it said: "The proposal does not stem from any opposition to cricket... rather, it reflects the need for the club to adapt to changing participation trends and secure a sustainable future."
Investment 'key to survival'
Central to the club's argument is a pledge of private investment tied directly to the development.
Officials say an investor has committed funding to deliver the courts and support the club's long-term future – money that would not otherwise be available.
The club said the project represents: "a unique opportunity to secure external funding, improve the club's facilities and safeguard the long-term future of an important community sporting asset."
Mixed planning response
Elsewhere, consultees have raised fewer concerns.
Lancashire County Council's highways team has lodged no objection, saying the site has adequate access and parking and would not harm road safety.
United Utilities also raised no objections, subject to standard requirements.
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However, Lancaster City Council officers have asked for further evidence to show the scheme complies with policies protecting open space and sports facilities.
What happens next
The application is currently under consideration by Lancaster City Council.
But with an ongoing dispute between the club and cricket authorities – and a statutory objection still in place – the decision could hinge on whether planners are convinced the benefits of the new sport outweigh concerns about the loss of cricket provision.
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