COUNCILLORS have backed a retrospective planning application for a controversial training facility at a north Durham cricket club.

The practice nets at Annfield Plain Cricket Club, which were targeted by arsonists last month, were granted permission by planners today.

The £35,000 development, which was finished in May, has angered some nearby residents who complain about the noise.

The club was initially told planning permission was not required, but was asked by Durham County Council to submit a retrospective application because the nets are part of a permanent structure. Maria Ferguson, whose seven-year-old son plays at the club, spoke out in favour of the bid.

She said: “I believe in what the club is trying to do for the wider benefit of the community.

“What would the youth members be doing if they were not playing cricket at Annfield Plain?”

Stephanie Riley, who lives opposite the club, spoke out in opposition to the application, arguing the noise from the practice nets was ‘unbearable’.

Mrs Riley said: “The noise of the bat on the ball is like a rifle crack. It is very upsetting for a small child and is just unacceptable.

“There is also the invasion of privacy. At one stage we had 21 children outside our house and it is unbearable.”

But councilors were swayed by the community benefits the facility offer young people and the application was approved.

Councillor Mike Dixon said: “The noise of a cricket bat on a ball is something that is quintessentially English and it is shame that it is now considered to be a nuisance.

“Durham is a first class cricketing county and is because of our home grown players.

“We only get home grown cricketers because of our facilities.”

After the meeting club chairman Steve Newstead said he hope the training facility, which was closed after the arson attack, would be repaired and re-open in time for the next season at the end of April.

Mr Newstead said: “Practice nets are an integral part of a modern cricket club and assist vastly with the coaching of the youth players.

“I am delighted with the decision and it can only be good for the development of cricket within County Durham.”