A cricket club has been given the go-ahead to build a new pavilion after councillors heard it had the support of most of the village.

Craven District Council’s planning committee was advised to refuse plans by the Sutton club because of potential problems for neighbours.

The meeting was told there would be a benefit to club members and to others, including South Craven School, which used the ground off Sutton Lane, but there was a potential for noise and disturbance if the pavilion was used for functions.

But Sutton Parish Council and the chairman of the club urged councillors to approve the scheme.

Parish council clerk, Denise Emmott, said the local authority fully supported the club’s plans, that the current facilities were not fit for purpose and there were real concerns the club would fold if it was not allowed to develop.

Club chairman, Stewart Robin-son, added it had never been their intention to upset neighbours, it had worked to achieve the best result and there had never been any plans to host wedding receptions, as some had feared.

Coun Stephen Place said the club had been in existence since 1902 and its facilities were “woefully inadequate”.

“It falls short of basic league standards, and I am sure if the league was so minded, it could spell the end of cricket in Sutton,” he added.

Coun Place dismissed fears the pavilion’s ‘lounge space’ could be used for large scale functions because of its limited size.

Coun Paul English said he was perplexed councillors were being advised to refuse the plans when they seemed to have the support of the village.

“There is one objection to this and that person has not even come here today. There is nothing more fitting to a Yorkshire scene than a bit of leather and willow – I am surprised this plan has even come to committee,” he said.

The scheme, a re-submission of one refused by the council in March, will include a pavilion and parking for 12 cars at the southern end of the site next to Sutton Lane.

The pavilion will be single storey, and will include changing rooms, toilets, kitchen and a lounge overlooking the pitch.