PLANS to build homes on a former cricket ground in Headington should be approved, councillors will be told.

Thomas Homes wants to build 30 homes on the Barton Road cricket ground but the proposal has attracted criticism from residents and sports groups.

Sport England objected, saying Government policy was against open space being developed unless it can be proved the land is surplus to requirements or the developer is prepared to replace the space elsewhere.

But Thomas Homes has now agreed to pay £100,000 to compensate for the loss of the sports pitch.

In a report to Oxford City Council’s east area planning committee next Wednesday, planning officer Angela Fettiplace said this is likely to be spent on a new cricket pavilion at Margaret Road.

She added: “Letters of objection have been received from local residents and the comments made have been carefully considered.

“However the points raised do not constitute sustainable reasons for refusing planning permission for the redevelopment of the site.

“The imposition of appropriate conditions on the planning permission will ensure a good quality form of development that uses acceptable building materials which will positively contribute to the character of the area.”

Thomas Homes wants to build eight four-bedroom houses, 17 three-bedroom homes, two two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats on the site, which has been unused for more than 10 years.

It also plans to create 51 car parking spaces, 60 spaces for bicycles and some public open space.

Fifteen of the homes will be affordable.

The cricket ground was home to Headington United Cricket Club from the 1950s until it left in 1998 having decided the ground was too small. The club merged with Cowley St John Cricket Club in 1994 to form Oxford Cricket Club, which now plays at Rover Sports and Social Club.

The cricket ground is still owned by the club, together with the Bradley family, from Worcester.

Hawthorn Avenue resident Stephen Jones said: “The green space on the plans is too small and therefore has little potential use as a recreation ground and would be difficult to maintain.

“This could make it more of a liability than an asset for the local area.”

Barry Freeman, who lives in The Beeches, said: “We are losing so many cricket pitches in Oxford at a time when the Government is trying to establish ways of making children more active.

“This site should remain as green space and perhaps be used as a youth cricket pitch if no longer large enough for adults.”

Thomas Homes did not comment.