152-bed hotel at Durham County Cricket Club Riverside, Chester-le-Street

The site and surroundings

The site is a 0.73-hectare parcel at the northern end of the cricket ground, containing a car park, landscaping, pitch edge and temporary seating.

“The application site currently comprises a car park providing 82 parking bays, an area of soft landscaping, the northern edge of the cricket pitch, and an area of temporary seating and associated hard landscaping. The application site is relatively flat. The wider cricket ground is to the west of the River Wear, and is accessed from the B1284 Ropery Lane via a roundabout to the north.”

“Durham County Cricket Club is an international cricket ground which has test match status and has staged international matches since 1999, hosting its first full test match in 2003. The cricket ground is the home ground of Durham County Cricket Club who play their domestic fixtures here. The main three storey building at the western edge of the pitch contains changing facilities, offices and meeting rooms, some of which are used for private functions.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

An outline consent for a 149-bedroom hotel was granted in 2010, establishing the principle of a hotel on the site, and remains extant.

“Application reference 2/93/00089/FUL, approved March 1993, granted consent for the current Cricket Ground. Application reference 2/92/00171/NID, approved May 1992, granted consent for the access road to the Cricket Ground from Ropery Lane to the north. Application reference 2/93/00477/FUL, approved January 1994, granted consent for the housing estate to the west of the cricket cround.”

“Application reference 2/08/00488/FUL, approved March 2010, granted consent for ‘New stands, scoreboard, replay screen, function suite; together with drainage, car parking / access roads, turnstiles, gateway building, extension to members room (full). 149 bed hotel with associated car parking / access works (outline)’. That application sought to double the seating capacity from circa 10,000 to circa 20,000 seats.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, drainage, the Environment Agency and other consultees raised no objections to the amended scheme, subject to conditions where required.

“Environment Agency – Raise no objection following receipt of updated flood risk and drainage details. Conditions are recommended in relation to securing sufficient river flooding mitigation measures.”

“Environmental Health (Nuisance) – Raise no concerns subject to a recommended condition relating to noise mitigation measures, as well as standard recommended conditions relating to working hours, and a condition relating to mitigation measures from ground piling works should piling be used during construction. Subject to these conditions it is considered that the development is unlikely to cause a statutory nuisance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local member highlighted parking concerns and economic benefits, while a cricket club representative spoke about jobs, tourism, training and the club’s future.

Members’ discussion

Members supported the application, citing its importance to the club and community, reduced visual impact and the need for more visitor accommodation.

“In discussion, Councillor A Bell supported the application, noting its importance to the Club and community.”

“Councillor S Hutchinson supported the proposal, noting the need for additional overnight accommodation in the County to support tourism. Councillor A Bell moved approval of the application and Councillor C Martin seconded the motion.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“RESOLVED: That the application be APPROVED, subject to the conditions set out within the report.”

Minutes