Greenwich Council is applying to itself to build cricket practice nets in Charlton Park, insisting that they would not block views of historic Charlton House.

The proposed nets would be next to a wildlife meadow on the east side of the park, and very close to where Parkrun and football training sessions take place on Saturdays.

Charlton Park has long been used for sport and a “cricket hub” opened on the east side of the park in the run-up to the Olympics in 2012. An artificial pitch was installed there of the park a few years ago. 

The two nets, which would have a four-metre fence around them with a 2.4m security fence, would be paid for by the England and Wales Cricket Board, and similar to existing nets at Bostall Heath in Abbey Wood.

The nets would also be near to changing rooms that The Greenwich Wire reported last year had been given a refurbishment costing £1 million – but had only been used three times in 11 months. 

Charlton parkrun participants gathering
Parkrun came to Charlton Park – with its views of Charlton House – nearly five years ago. Image: The Greenwich Wire
The planned site of the cricket nets (above), and images of the nets (below) Image: Greenwich Council
Images of cricket nets
Image: Greenwich Council

In the planning application submitted by the parks department, the council says there would be “no intrusion into key historic views toward Charlton House”. However, the impact on Parkrun or other existing activities in the park – including the council’s own events – is not mentioned.

In March last year the Friends of Charlton Park reported that a second pitch was also under consideration, although this appears to have been dropped. However, the cricket net has stayed, despite concerns about “avoiding the route of Parkrun and affecting the sightlines of Charlton House”.

Charlton Park
Football training sessions take part very close to the proposed nets. Image: The Greenwich Wire

Over 200 people take part in the 5k running and walking event each Saturday morning, which is one of five in the borough.

Comments on the proposal can be left on the Greenwich Council planning website.

To contact your councillors or other representatives, visit writetothem.com.

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