INSTALLING a 15-metre high cricket fence in Witham would safeguard a park's future use as a sports ground, experts claim.

Braintree Council's planning officers have downplayed concerns over the proposed semi-demountable netting which is being lined up for Sauls Bridge Sports Ground in Maldon Road, Witham, and even recommended it be given the go ahead.

Applicant Phase 2 Planning argues the fencing needs to be installed to protect pedestrians using the footpath along River View when cricket matches are being played at the sports ground.

The fence, which is made up of square netting, would only be installed in the summer months and could be removed when not required.

Numerous objections have been raised against the proposals but planning officers have advised councillors approve the plans when they meet in a crucial meeting tomorrow.

In a report published ahead of the meeting, officers state: "The development would provide a significant benefit of protecting the future use of the sports ground, while also protecting any future occupier of the Gimsons development, and wider pedestrians and cyclists more generally.

"In terms of harm, there would be a moderate-low overall visual impact for six months of the year.

"Overall, taking into account the harms against the benefits, it is considered that the proposal would amount to sustainable development and as such it is recommended that the application be approved."

Among the opposition to the fencing is Witham Town Council which has branded it unnecessary.

Public objectors have meanwhile labelled it a "monstrosity" and raised fears it will have a detrimental effect on landscape.

Sport England has also put forward a holding objection and laid out a number of conditions which it wishes to see met before it can support the proposals.

Key to its requests are confirmation the council will maintain, look after and store the fencing when not used.

It also asks for Bellway Homes, which is responsible for the 78-home Gimsons development and needs the netting, funds the cost of the fence.

A spokesman for Sport England added: "Our experience has been that where these principles have not been agreed at the planning application stage, potential has existed for issues to arise at a later date about matters such as whether a developer/local authority or a cricket club is responsible for

initial or long term maintenance of the netting

"The worst case scenarios have been where cricket clubs have ultimately been forced to take on responsibility for maintenance and funding of netting to prevent the use of cricket pitches being prejudiced or to meet insurance requirements due to such matters not being adequately considered and addressed through planning permissions."

Tomorrow's meeting takes place at Causeway House, Bocking End, at 7.15pm.