Revised plans for unmanned Cricket Box in High Wycombe submitted to Bucks Council

It comes after an earlier version of the scheme was bowled out in July.

Fresh plans for a high-tech indoor cricket centre have been submitted by The Cricket Box Ltd for an unmanned “Cricket Box” at High Wycombe Cricket Club’s ground in London Road.

The proposed facility would feature two virtual batting lanes equipped with bowling-machine technology, allowing players to practise throughout the year and review video footage and statistics from sessions. They'd also be able to book slots online and enter the building using a digital access code.

The revised submission comes after an earlier version was rejected because planning officers ruled that its height, position and design would make it “unduly prominent and visually intrusive”. They also said it would harm the character and appearance of the streetscene, fail to preserve or enhance Bassetsbury Conservation Area and affect the setting of nearby listed buildings.

However, the council’s report identified an alternative spot beside the scoreboards at the end of the cricket ground’s car park which officers believed could be less harmful, with the fresh plans moving the building to that location in the south-western corner of the ground.

The single-storey structure would measure 23.4 metres long and 8.4 metres wide, with a maximum height of 4.4 metres. It would sit approximately 111 metres from the curtilage of the Grade II-listed Bassetsbury Mill and Chequers.

The applicant argues that the relocated and redesigned building would not harm the conservation area or the setting of listed buildings.

Its walls would be covered with black painted timber cladding, intended to resemble the existing scoreboard and make the building less noticeable against the surrounding trees. The existing scorebox and caretaker’s building would be moved elsewhere within the club grounds to make way for the development.

Planning documents say the facility would be available to club members and the wider community, providing a place to train throughout the year when outdoor winter practice can be difficult.

The applicant added that sound insulation would be installed and activity would remain limited, with only two batters expected to use the building at once. Around six parking spaces would be lost, leaving approximately 36 spaces at the ground. The applicant also anticipates a maximum of two cars associated with the facility at any one time because sessions must be booked in advance.