Decision details

Installation of new Artificial Cricket Wicket in Grattons Park

Decision Maker: Head of Community Services

Decision status: For Determination

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To install a new Artificial Cricket Wicket in Grattons Park to be used by RAMS Cricket Club.

Sussex Cricket have identified a £7,500 funding package to be used at Grattons Park to install a new artificial wicket and includes a 5-year maintenance package within this agreement. Sussex Cricket to procure and manage the works and have a contractor in place to carry out the installation in early 2023.

RAMS CC to initially enter in to a 3-year Temporary Licence permitting use for the playing of cricket by the licensee, designated hours between 12:30pm and 19:30pm on Saturdays; up to 18 games per year.

The council will benefit from a licence fee of £761.40 per annum. Additional fees and charges will apply for ad-hoc bookings up to maximum of 12 additional games and or training sessions per year.

At the end of the term agreement RAMS CC, as the licensee, is obligated to return the Property back to its original lawn condition or for the licence to be transferred to another club with agreement from the council.

The introduction of Cricket at Grattons Park will provide improved sporting facilities and increase provision of new pitches within the borough given the high levels of demand and current and future lack of capacity to meet these needs as recommended within our local Playing Pitch Strategy (2020)

Decision:

To grant permission for Sussex Cricket to install a new artificial wicket at Grattons Park and to approve an initial 3-year temporary licence with RAMS CC.

This decision has been taken by the Head of Community Services, in consultation with Cabinet Member for Wellbeing.

Alternative options considered:

Not installing a new artificial wicket would result in the ongoing displacement of home games being played outside of Crawley due to a lack of high-quality facilities within the borough to meet current and future demand. It would also result in a loss of income to the council of £761.40 per annum.

Publication date: 28/11/2022

Date of decision: 25/11/2022