Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club and Social Club’s chair Philip Sykes has applied to Hyndburn Council to make the change at its West End Ground in Blackburn Road.
The refurbished one-bedroomed property would be used by the coach and overseas professional player who joins the club each season, currently South African batting all-rounder Lesiba Ngoepe.
A supporting statement says: “This application seeks approval to convert an outdated building on our club’s grounds into a building for a self-contained residential unit for our cricket coach.
“In the Spring/Summer, it is proposed our overseas professional cricket coach/player will reside in part of this building.
“The property will be used exclusively by an individual contracted to represent and coach both senior and junior crickets in the coming season.
“In recent years, our cricket club has taken significant steps to expand our reach and support for the local community, with a strong focus on inclusivity.
“As a result, the need for our overseas professional coach to reside on-site has increased substantially.
“We now run a total of nine junior teams, and we are proud to be the only club in Hyndburn with a fully-established and dedicated girls’ section.
“In addition, we have recently launched a dedicated S1 Disability Cricket Team, offering cricket opportunities to individuals who may otherwise be excluded from sport.
“We also provide in-school coaching sessions, followed by a clear exit route into club cricket, enabling children to continue playing in a welcoming and supportive environment beyond the school setting.
“These developments mean that there is more responsibility/opportunity to coach juniors and seniors.
“Our coach’s on-site presence will support coaching, mentoring, and programme delivery across our junior girls and boys, disability and senior teams, as many train throughout the week.
“The building will also be used to provide rooms for cricket use/storage, for which we do not already have.
“Having the professional based at the club is vital to the smooth running of our now significantly broadened cricket programme.
“Our coach is heavily involved in training sessions, coaching, and event support that often take place during evenings and weekends.
“The flexibility and availability that come with being resident at the ground are essential to fulfilling these responsibilities effectively, particularly given the number of teams and sessions now operating.
“Given the short-term nature of our overseas professional’s contract—typically lasting up to six months—securing local rented accommodation has become increasingly difficult and financially unviable.
“By converting an underused building already located on the premises, the club can avoid rental costs estimated at more than £6,000 per season.”