Mo Hussain, from Yorkshire County Cricket Club, supported the plans and said the additional use would help the club survive.
He said: “We’ve seen the demise of many, many clubs due to restrictive models that are unsustainable. Since Covid, playing membership has been in significant decline.
“When the cricket season finishes in a few weeks until April, the clubhouse has no use but costs continue. It is a real existential threat to club finances and viability.”
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the application stated: “The proposed extension of use will allow for modest, community-focused activities specifically for members of the community who need person-centred care and support, at times outside of match days to ensure the site remains vibrant and financially sustainable.
“The current membership has changed in terms of diversity and communities where alcohol provision is not the main social activity.
“The club no longer relies on this model of income generation. As a result of this, the club’s realistic way of generating income, is by the hiring of the cricket facilities.”
The grounds are owned by Willowfield CIO and operated by The Yorkshire County Cricket Club, which took over from the previous committee.