THE home of Worthing Cricket Club has been granted retrospective planning permission for alterations to its front terrace.
The planning committee met last Wednesday to discuss the proposal, and issues were raised about the limited access for disabled people to the new seating area.
The alterations consisted of a raised decking platform being added to the terrace, of about 10 metres by four metres, at the club’s base at the Manor Sports Ground.
Councillor Hazel Thorpe immediately expressed concern, asking if there was any improvements being made for people “in a wheelchair, or less able to stand on their feet”.
James Appleton, head of planning, regeneration and well-being, said: “The gradient that you have could not accommodate a ramp.
“It is just one of those buildings where it is very difficult to see how it could be adapted to accommodate wheelchair access.
“It is a real problem, and I do not think there is an easy solution.”
Mr Appleton added the building does not meet all the disability requirements, but said it is something that the council had looked into.
In order for the cricket club to afford the terrace, a “major fund-raising exercise” was held, and the club would not be able to afford any alterations to create disabled access.
All councillors voted in favour of granting the retrospective planning permission.
Comments