The driver for the move to a new ground has multiple origins. Since the exiting clubhouse was expanded in 2005, we have suffered from flooding with increasing frequency. Ottermouth is one of only a few grounds in the world below sea level.

The existing facilities have suffered from these floodings and they were no longer sustainable, especially in the the face of the need to expand cricket to include more girls and women and the aspiration to better support disability cricket.

The Lower Otter Restoration Project was conceived in 2014 to look at addressing the environmental impact of flooding in and around the River Exe.

The river Otter was identified as a way of potentially mitigating the increasing risk of flooding in the area. But this clearly has an impact on many things - from the reclaimed farmland, the wildlife, housing, and of course our cricket club.

Having been the home of Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club since the 1930s, the Ottermouth ground has become increasingly difficult to manage with repeated flooding causing repeated damage and preventing enhancement and development of the club.

Budleigh CC has been an integral part of the Budleigh, East Budleigh and Otterton communities for approaching 100 years - however the LORP provided an opportunity for the club to relocate and secure it's future - away from flooding.

Timeline

January 2020 - Budget was secured via the PaCO/Interreg Project (Info can be found here) and the committee commenced on a review of the architectural designs.

January 2021 - The Project Review identified that a more suitable design was required to sustain the club in its new location - to make it viable for the next 100 years.

February 2021 - BSCC committed elected to take on the build as a club rather than outsource

July 2021 - Kier (main contractor) started work on the new ground - earthworks and levelling. Committee appointed Robinson White Partnership (Chartered Surveyors) to advise on the project

• August 2021 - Undertook a competitive review of architects
• September 2021 - Selected NewSpace Architecture for project design
• October 2021 - Commenced designing new clubhouse - detailed requirements capture and concept designs
• December 2021 - Completed final designs
• January 2021 - Submitted to planning
• May 2021 - Full planning granted
• June 2021 - Main Build contractor appointed (TBC).
• Summer 2021 - Pitch construction started
• July 2022 - Clubhouse construction starts.
• October 2022 - BSCC leave Ottermouth
• April 2023 - First season at new ground
• August 2023 - Clubhouse opens