Warwickshire put new spin on Edgbaston plans

Apr 24 2009 by Paul Dale, Birmingham Post

Warwickshire County Cricket Club have attempted to address the concerns of residents and community groups by scaling down plans for a £32 million expansion of the Test match ground.

A revised planning application to Birmingham City Council cuts the amount of hotel and leisure space proposed on land fronting the Pershore Road. But the club is pressing ahead in full with controversial proposals for floodlighting, new stands and pavilion, media area, and hospitality suites – to be partly paid for out of a commercial development of hotels, housing and flats.

Local councillors and other objectors, described the changes as “insignificant” and failing to address concerns about increased traffic on local roads, noise and light spillage from the floodlights.

WCCC insists the ground improvements are vital if Test match cricket is to continue to be played in Birmingham.

Edgbaston’s facilities are regarded as outdated compared with other Test match grounds, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The city council planning committee refused to approve the scheme this month, asking the club to think again, while cabinet members have had to reconsider a £20 million loan toward the cost of ground improvements following criticism from a scrutiny committee.