Gloucestershire County Cricket Club bosses have described as a “massive disappointment” the decision by councillors to reject the redevelopment of the County Ground – a move which scuppers hopes of bringing major international cricket matches to Bristol.
Councillors on the Development Control (North) Committee voted by six to four against the plans to expand the stadium and build flats despite approval by city council planners in November.
Before the meeting Gloucestershire captain Alex Gidman said a refusal would have a “major effect on our ability to develop successful Gloucestershire teams” with some supporters suggesting it could lead to the club moving out of Bristol.
The club wants to expand the ground’s capacity to up to 17,500 seats – to be paid for by building a seven-storey block of 147 flats on one side of the ground. Opponents said the development was too big, lacked sufficient parking and would be harmful to a conservation area.
