Plans for a new access for Ramsey Cricket Club have been approved by Huntingdonshire District Council – despite Ramsey Town Council’s opposition.

The club already had planning permission to build six flats on the edge of its Cricketfield Lane ground. Income generated by the sale of the land to a developer was to be used to pay off a mortgage on its pavilion.

But even with HDC’s approval, which was confirmed on February 19, the stance of the town council means the future of the project remains in doubt, as it owns a verge that the new entry would cross.

Having originally backed the scheme, its members voted unanimously against the new entrance, saying the U-turn was due to opposition to the flat plans from people living nearby who complained they would lose their privacy due to being overlooked.

HDC received no comments from members of the public about the flats and just two people offered comments on the access application, one for and one against.

Nick Kay, of Oliver Close, Ramsey, said the new access would be safer for pedestrians and drivers.

But Lisa Green, of The Avenue, which is opposite the ground, said she strongly objected, citing concerns about the safety of children walking to and from the nearby park and play area entrance.

Cricket club chairman Stephen Buddle said the plans for the flats had been amended to reduce the impact on neighbouring properties’ privacy.

He added that the club was delighted to have had their access proposal approved by HDC, with no objection from the county’s highways department, but could not proceed due to the town council.

A petition has been set up urging the town councillors to reconsider and, as of this week, had been signed by more than 250 people.

Mr Buddle said the matter was due to be on the town council’s agenda for its meeting on Thursday, March 13.