WIMBORNE Cricket Club could be moving to a new base if a planning application is approved.

The club currently plays at Hanhams in the town centre on leased ground which has been suggested as a possible site for a new Waitrose supermarket.

An application submitted to East Dorset District Council is seeking approval to create a cricket pitch and pavilion, practice facilities, car parking and new access for The Leaze on King Street, at the rear of the model town.

Cricket club chairman John Ridout said: "The Hanham Trust have offered us the opportunity to relocate with a longer lease and a playing area equal or slightly larger than the one we have at the moment.

"What we need is certainty. We have been hearing rumours about redevelopment of the cricket ground for a number of years.

"If it goes through we have long-term security."

Planning agent Martin Hanham, who has been working on behalf of the client Hampreston Estates, said the submitted planning, design and access statement noted that Wimborne Cricket Club lease had expired for the land at Hanhams and there was no right of renewal.

The paperwork states: "Their existing pavilion is in a poor state of repair. They cannot continue to play cricket to the standard they wish to compete at or develop young players."

The town council said it had just received a copy of the application and had not had the chance to discuss it yet. The district council is due to discuss the application on May 18.