Expansion approved for Martinstown cricket club
Their pavilion's become too small for its existing membership
A Dorset village cricket club, which has twice stopped playing altogether, is now so popular it is to enlarge its pavilion.
Martinstown has been given permission for an extension to its pavilion at its picturesque ground close to Maiden Castle.
Dorset Council has approved two flat roof extensions, a new patio area and some minor exterior alterations to the ground which is within the Dorset National Landscape.
Winterborne St Martin parish council raised no objection to the changes for the club.
It was formed in the village in 1928, although play stopped because of the Second World War, resuming in 1953.
The club was then wound up in 1975, before being reformed in 1988, playing at Dorchester Rec, the rugby club and the pitch at Herrison Hospital, until moving to the existing ground in 2000.
Martinstown now has between 70 and 100 children attending training every year and fields regular teams for men, women and youngsters.
In a statement on their planning application, the club said:
“Since 1988, when the club was reformed, following 13 years of no club being in existence, the club has year on year sought to improve both the playing facilities and the playing standards of their members."
The flat roof extensions, to the rear of the Pavilion, will improve home and away team changing areas; while new internal store will replace a pair of external storage areas, with an enhancement to the viewing areas, lounge and kitchen.