A village cricket club has applied for planning permission for a new netted practice area in a bid to boost its junior section.

Lapworth Cricket Club has said its "thriving" junior setup is limited by its "poor training infrastructure" after its existing nets were damaged in a storm in 2024.

If approved, the application to Warwick District Council would see a new all-weather two-lane enclosed netted practice area built at the Old Warwick Road site.

The application explained: "Lapworth Cricket Club is applying for planning permission to install a new non-turf practice facility to increase local child participation in sport and support efforts to reduce childhood obesity. 

"As the only sports club in the village, we are a vital provider of physical activity, social connection, and wellbeing for children and families in Lapworth and the surrounding rural area."

Currently the junior section has over 60 children aged five to 15.

Improving the nets, the club said, would allow another 50 children to join in the first year, boost ties with the local primary school and encourage "inclusive participation".

"As the only sports facility in the village, Lapworth Cricket Club has a unique and trusted position within the community," the application continued. 

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"We are entirely volunteer-run and deeply embedded in village life, offering not only sport but also a space for social connection and positive mental health. 

"This facility will be a sustainable, long-term asset to the entire community. 

"We believe our project aligns directly with Sport England's mission to increase participation, reduce health inequalities, and ensure that every child can be active. 

"It will help close the gap in rural access to sport and provide children with the tools to build active, healthy futures."

Click here to see the full planning application.

(Header image by David P Howard via geograph.org.uk)