FACILITIES at the cricket club where England captain Paul Collingwood learned to play are ‘inadequate’ for today’s players, its chairman has revealed.

Shotley Bridge Cricket Club, near Consett, County Durham, has just two showers for 22 players and two umpires.

The two changing rooms are too cramped and the clubhouse can only hold around 60 people.

Chairman Paul Nesbit said: "They are inadequate for a club of our standing and the quality does not even meet the minimum league standards.

"People love to come and play at Shotley because of the setting but it is embarrassing for us."

Mr Nesbit said controversial plans to flatten the existing facilities and replace them with a housing estate and two residential homes for elderly people were crucial for the club’s future.

The multi-million pound project has attracted opposition from protesters who argue it will be harmful to wildlife and destroy a local beauty spot.

Before it was replaced by Durham County Council, Derwentside District Council’s planning committee decided it was ‘minded to approve’ the scheme.

The scheme has been referred to the Government Office for the North-East for a decision about whether a public inquiry is required.

If not, the decision will need to be ratified by Durham County Council.

Stocksfield-based developer Anvil Homes intends to build 25 detached homes and 60 flats as well as regenerating the Victorian spa wells and create public walks in the meadow area.

But a campaign is underway to prevent development of the club, which has nine teams including juniors seniors and women, because of the environmental impact it will have.

Alistair Carr, of Anvil Homes, said: "While some trees will require felling to enable an access road, the remaining woodland between the access field and Spa Well Meadow will remain and full landscaping and planting scheme will be implemented which will actually enhance and improve the wildlife habitat. "The spa well and grounds will be restored and enhanced and will be opened up to members of the public. "This area forms an important part in the history of Shotley Bridge, however, at present, very few know of its existence. "We plan to open up much of the site and provide new walkways for public use."