London , May 27 (ANI): The only noise one can associate with cricket is that of cohesive yells at a six or a wicket. But a cricket club being banned from putting up nets for practice, due to noise considerations is something indigestible for any cricket enthusiast.

East Northamptonshire council has blocked 135-year-old Rushden Town Cricket Club to put up practice nets for 12 players, as they fear that the noise produced from playing might disturb the locals surrounding the club.

The club has already tried to negotiate with the planners for three long months, but to no avail. And now they have been slammed with an order to pay for a 2,000 pounds noise survey before the planning application for new nets can progress.

In fact, the club has even got a green signal from residents in the 50 houses nearest the proposed nets, who have no objection against the club and some of them even signing a petition supporting the club.

“The council wants us to spend in the region of PS2,000 conducting a noise survey to prove what noise levels will be generated by 12 people practising their cricket. The PS2,000 that we might have to spend on the survey should, in our opinion, be spent on the nets, not on petty bureaucracy. The council notified 50 residents adjoining the club and none had a problem with our proposals.” The Telegraph quoted Chris Layram, the club secretary, as saying.

However, the local authority is still adamant about its decision and has argued that the positioning of nets has led to problems at other cricket clubs.

In a letter to the club, Michael Deacon, the head of environmental services at the council, said: “Data need to be provided to us in relation to background levels, maximum noise levels, and the potential impact on surrounding properties. While I appreciate that Rushden Town Cricket Club is concerned about the costs of such a [noise] assessment, this is a necessary part of the planning process.”(ANI)