Council rejects plan for Adelaide replay screen

Plans to erect a permanent replay screen at the Adelaide Oval have gone back to the drawing-board after the city's council rejected a proposal to build a Aus$2m structure next to the state heritage-listed scoreboard.

"We have had meetings with architects to see if we can do something about the design," Michael Deare, chief executive of the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) told the Adelaide Advertiser. "They have gone away to have a think to see whether they can improve the design. We have always felt the screen was a benefit to the Oval and provides the patrons with an extra facility."

The council's decision leaves the SACA in an embarrassing position as it has already bought the 11-metre high screen. "Heritage advisers and the relevant minister have accepted the proposal and we thought it would be a simple rubber stamp by the council," Deare explained. The SACA either submits an alternative proposal or undertakes a legal challenge against the council's decision.

Michael Harbison, Adelaide's mayor, explained that the council recognised the need for a screen on the ground but had serious concerns about the bulky design. Referring to previous planning assent given to erect floodlights at the ground, he added: "I think decisions by this council have eroded the beauty of the Oval"

The council's decision leaves two planned Rugby World Cup matches in October in doubt.