10 million pounds now has to be raised by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, after the plans to expand their grounds were given the go ahead last night.

The club want to increase their capacity from 4,000 seats up to 20,000 seats.

It is so they meet the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) requirements, which means they can continue to hold International matches here in Bristol.

The plans also include a world class media and conference centre, along with accomodation for 350 students at their ground on Neville in Bishopston.

Chief Executive, Tom Richardson says they have to get the funds first, but when building eventually starts they hope it will not interrupt their season:

"We are very keen to avoid that.  We don't think it's a good idea to take it lock stock and barrel somewhere else.  It may well be that we end up having to move the odd game but we are very keen to avoid that in our planning and we've taken that into account.  We want to have a full cricket season here while the building is going on."

On the club's website, they say:

"We are delighted that Bristol City Council has resolved to grant planning permission for developing our ground in Nevil Road.

"It is essential for the club to develop the ground in order to continue hosting regular international cricket here in Bristol. This development will bring many benefits, not only to our members and sports fans but also to the city of Bristol and the local region.

"There has been a lot of hard work put into this application, particularly with transport and access issues and we are now looking forward to proceeding with our plans."

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