Giant fence to protect shop from cricket balls
LDRSThe installation of giant fencing to protect a supermarket from stray cricket balls has been approved.
The net structure along the boundary between Aldi and Hetton Lyons Cricket Club in Hetton, near Sunderland, could be up to 108ft (33m) tall, Sunderland City Council heard.
It was confirmed that Aldi had already ordered a 89ft (27m) fence to be in place for the start of the 2025 cricket season.
Councillors heard the structure's effectiveness would be evaluated at the end of the cricket season and its height could be increased if needed.
'Acceptable protection'
A 108ft (33m) fence was estimated to provide a "99.99% effectiveness" in stopping shots, according to a report presented to councillors.
But the preference of Aldi, which opened in December, and its joints applicants the cricket club, was for the 27m fence which, according to a report from specialist consultants Labosport, would stop around 94% of cricket balls from entering the shop's area.
The estimate is based on a cricket ball trajectory model developed with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Council planners said the "significant" visual impact needed to be measured against the need to protect the use of the Aldi car park, with the 27m fence providing an "acceptable level of protection".