A CRICKET club is seeking permission to extend the hours its new practice facilities can be used just months after a controversial planning application allowed them to be constructed.

Back in September, Darlington Cricket Club was granted permission for new practice nets despite a last ditched attempt from neighbours to prevent the plans from going ahead.

Angry residents whose homes overlook the club made a passionate plea to Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee for the plans to be refused due to the impact noise and anti-social behaviour was having on their lives.

However, the plans for the practice facilities were passed under strict conditions that they are not used outside certain hours - mainly on weekday evenings and after lunchtime on a weekend.

But the club is now looking to extend the hours they can be used by an extra hour each weekday evening, to as late as 8.30pm on some days.

They also want to extend the time the facilities can be used throughout the year, from the start of April to the end of September, rather than the middle of both months.

The club has sent a letter to the Secretary of State with a request to "vary the wording" of the conditions.

Brain Johnson, club chairman, said it would be "unwise" to comment whilst the appeal process is underway, but confirmed to The Northern Echo the practice facilities are already in use.

The club, which has been playing at the ground since 1866, had been hit with objections from people who live in properties on Greener Drive, which is part of the housing development being built on the former Feethams football ground.

In the planning meeting last September, Karen Wilson, whose property backs on to the nets, highlighted a number of alternative areas where the nets could be positioned to prevent disruption to the club's neighbours.

But Mr Johnson said it would be “wholly inappropriate” to restrict the view of the playing area for spectators.

That led to allegations that Mr Johnson was putting the interest of spectators over those of nearby residents.

During a passionate debate residents played an audio recording of the noise coming from the nets to highlight the impact it has on their lives whenever the facilities are in use.

Anyone wishing to submit their views on Darlington cricket club's appeal should do so by June 14 by writing to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3M, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.