Ex-England cricketer backs development in village

Devon Malcolm has lived near Brixworth Cricket Club for 30 years

A former England cricketer has backed plans for 16 new homes and a spa in a village that could benefit its cricket club.

Devon Malcolm, who is president of Brixworth Cricket Club in Northamptonshire, said the development would unlock new funding.

People in the village are divided on the proposals for land off Northampton Road, with the local parish council opposing the scheme.

If it is approved, the freehold of Brixworth Cricket and Tennis Club would be transferred to a community interest company, to take on full management and ownership.

The development would take place at the southern tip of the village

The former fast bowler said: "If we can't secure a long-term lease, we can't apply for funding from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

"If we do own the ground, the world would be our oyster."

He added it was "massively important to see the club continue".

Malcolm played at county level for Northamptonshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire and took 128 Test wickets for England during the 1990s.

Brixworth Cricket Club said it currently paid £1 a year in rent, but the grounds were worth about £500,000 and it could not afford to purchase the land.

If the development, which also includes a takeaway, goes ahead, the club said a covenant would be put on the sports pitches to prevent them being developed.

The cricket club is based beside the A508

A consultation for developer Ekeney Consultants found support for affordable homes, but some people raised concerns about building in the countryside and traffic.

Brixworth Parish Council said there was "insufficient evidence to suggest it is anything but a speculative application".

West Northamptonshire Council is due to make a decision on the plans by November.