Plans for homes near Sutton Cricket and Tennis Club decided on

An application proposing the construction of four properties, on land adjacent to Sutton Cricket and Tennis Club, on New Street, had been put forward to town hall planners in January.

A landscaping statement said the site is vacant and was previously used as tennis courts.

It added: “There are no tree preservation orders present within the curtilage of the site, or immediately adjacent to the boundaries.

“There are a number of trees present on the site, the majority of which are self-seeded and poor specimens.

“As a result it is proposed to create a new landscaping scheme replacing the trees with more suitable and high quality specimens.

“The trees and woodland officer, when consulted on a previous application concurred and did not request the retention of any of the trees located on the application site.”

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There were two representations made against the proposals citing worries over there being "little privacy" due to the proximity of a nearby garden.

Planning officer Stephen Gill noted "the applicant has taken reasonable measures in relation to carrying out a Ball Strike Assessment, and the mitigation proposed is reasonable considering the surroundings and the fact that there are other existing residential properties in the immediate vicinity of the site, that do not offer any mitigation in relation to ball strikes".

In his report, Mr Gill said: "The proposal with the protective fencing in place would not place residents at an unacceptable risk from ball strike and the proposed dwellings would not place a greater restriction on the use of the cricket club than the existing dwellings which border the application site and border the cricket club.

"Therefore, the LPA is satisfied that with protective fencing in place the proposal would not prejudice the use of any remaining areas of playing field on the site".

Town hall planners gave the green light to the proposals (Image: St Helens Star)

In concern relation to the privacy concerns, Mr Gill said "the applicant resubmitted some plans, which clearly sets out a proposal for the windows in the side elevation to be obscurely glazed and fixed shut".

He concluded: "It is not considered that the development would cause unacceptable amenity implications for the neighbouring properties".

Planning permission was granted.