Inquiry into plans to develop ex-cricket ground in Norfolk
A scheme to turn the former home of cricket in Norfolk into a housing development with a five-a-side pitch and allotments is going before a planning inspector.
Serruys Property Company wants to build 75 homes on the site of the former cricket ground at Lakenham and demolish the old thatched cricket pavilion.
Norwich City Council rejected the plans, but the company has appealed.
A two-day hearing on the plans before a planning inspector has started.
Councillors rejected the plans as they believed they would result in the loss of green space and the pavilion, which is seen as a heritage landmark.
Consultant Lanpro, which is acting for Serruys, said the plans would bring "a redundant site back into use".
The inquiry, headed by planning inspector Tim Wood, is expected to finish on Thursday.
A decision will be taken at a later date.
Cricket was first played in Lakenham in the 1820s and attracted famous players to the grounds including WG Grace in 1902, who was playing for the London Counties side.
Cricket commentator Henry Blofeld has described Lakenham as one of the most famous minor county grounds.
Cricket was last played at the ground in August 2000.