But is it cricket?

12:55pm Monday 12th February 2001

PLANNING proposals for a housing development and sports centre of excellence in Beckenham have won special dispensation from Ken Livingstone because of its benefits to the community.

To qualify, the 42-house development on the former Lloyds TSB sports ground, in Copers Cope Road, should have 10 homes for key workers but the development only includes eight.

Despite its shortfall in social housing, the mayor gave the developers the thumbs up because of the inclusion of a cricket school of excellence which will be run by Kent County Cricket Club (KCCC).

The mayor said: “I think this proposal will bring great benefits to London and expect this new facility will provide valuable opportunities for Londoners to participate in sport.”

Paul Millman of KCCC said: “We are delighted, not just for KCCC but for the many supporters of cricket in the area. We look forward to bringing first class cricket back to Beckenham for the first time since 1954.”

Now the outline proposals have been approved by both the council and the mayor the developers, Leander Bromley Ltd, will take detailed plans of the developments, including how they will use the facade of the existing pavilion, for the new housing block.

Leander hopes to have the cricket pavilion ready for the county match between Kent and Yorkshire on August 29.

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