We, the undersigned, object to the proposed development on Green Belt land of up to nine houses on land adjacent to a 180-year-old community cricket club - Application Reference 26/00175/OUT

The application site is currently private garden land within the Green Belt. It has never been developed, is regularly maintained, and functions as open green space. We strongly dispute the developer’s claim that this land constitutes “grey belt”.

The proposed development is close to the low boundary fence with no Ball Strike Risk Assessment conducted and no meaningful consultation with the cricket club.

This creates a serious and foreseeable risk that:
• Future residents will be exposed to cricket ball strikes and associated safety issues
• Complaints about noise, evening use, social activities and cricket balls will arise
• The cricket club’s activities, including junior coaching for primary-school-aged children, will be curtailed or threatened

Under the established “Agent of Change” principle, responsibility lies with the developer to ensure that new residential development does not prejudice the continued lawful operation of existing community and sporting uses. This principle has not been addressed.

The proposal is also contrary to local and national planning policy which seeks to:
• Protect Green Belt land from inappropriate development
• Safeguard existing sports and recreational facilities
• Promote healthy, active communities and access to open green spaces

We therefore call on the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to refuse this application protect the Green Belt and this historic cricket club and its vital role in the local community.

Signed...