East Cambridgeshire planners are currently reviewing several applications for improvements at various community sport facilities in the area.  

Ely Tennis Club, Stretham Bowls Club, Haddenham Cricket Club and City of Ely Cricket Club are among the groups hoping the plans get the go-ahead.  

Ely Outdoor Sports Association, in Downham Road, wants to build two more tennis courts with floodlights that meet standards required by the Lawn Tennis Association.  

There are already four courts at the site, which is also where Ely Tigers Rugby Club and Ely City Hockey Club are based.  

Meanwhile, Stretham Bowls Club, hopes it will be able to build a new men’s changing room at its home in Short Road.  

The plans consist of a simple single storey timber structure, next to the ladies’ changing room.  

Last year, Stretham Bowls Club turned 85. Its website says members have been successful at county, national and international levels over the years.

Planning applications for improvements at two cricket facilities have also been submitted.

In Haddenham, the parish council has applied for another single bay cricket practice facility to be installed at the village recreation ground in Hop Row.   

The application’s heritage statement says: “Participation in cricket has grown considerably in the past two years and a need for a further practice facility has been demonstrated to the council.   

“The new facility will allow for more time-efficient practice and training as well as allowing the cricket club to offer training to more children going forward.” 

The City of Ely Cricket Club has applied for an artificial wicket to be installed on the grass square at the Paradise Recreation Ground, in Deacons Lane.  

The club has been playing at the ground since 1856 – although by 2024 it plans to move to a new location at the Ely North development off Lynn Road. 

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All four applications were submitted separately to East Cambridgeshire District Council throughout March.