Net gain prompts Shropshire cricket club renewed planning bid
A public consultation has opened on the plans.
A Shropshire cricket club is re-applying for a three lane training facility to take advantage of a change in biodiversity rules.
Allscott Heath Cricket Club had already been granted planning permission for the development which included a condition to prove a ‘biodiversity net gain.’
But now the club in Shawbirch Road, Allscott, has re-applied to Telford & Wrekin Council for a new assessment following a change in the BNG rules.
The application states that the “only reason for re-applying is to navigate around a massive BNG charge” as the rules have now changed.
Sites below a certain size do not now have to provide a biodiversity net gain of 10 per cent.
The cricket club’s nets meant the loss of biodiversity which would have had to be provided either on site or elsewhere with 10 per cent extra on top.
Planners had been told that the club had ‘limited resources’.
They had previously decided that the best option was to pay for a biodiversity net gain of 10 per cent somewhere else.
“By purchasing offsite units the development will address its statutory requirement to deliver a net gain for biodiversity and secure a more sustainable future for the cricket club,” planners had been told.
But the rules on biodiversity net gain on small sites were recently changed by the government which prompted the resubmission.
Telford & Wrekin Councillor Gareth Thomas (Conservative, Wrockwardine) has already responded to the opening of a consultation.
He writes: “I’m happy to support further improvement to this fantastic facility.
“This will improve training and coaching at the club improving opportunities for local residents to take part and develop in cricket.”
A public consultation has opened on the plans which can be seen on the council’s planning portal with the reference: TWC/2026/0764
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/shropshire-star
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