New homes still part of cricket ground redevelopment plan

A revised plan for the development of Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham will still involve new residential elements, it has been revealed.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club has had to downgrade its proposals for redevelopment of the venue after planning permission was blocked.

Although new plans have reduced the amount of hotel and leisure facilities planned on the Pershore Road side, new flats and homes are still among the elements in the blueprint.

The proposal could help provide new accommodation for first-time buyers in one of the city's more traditionally fashionable districts.

Under the plan, the club would pay the council £1.4 million towards affordable housing, as well as contributions towards better public transport and facilities in a neighbouring park.

Warwickshire has argued that the ground needs to be redeveloped in order to ensure it continues to be allowed to stage international fixtures.

This summer will see it host an Ashes Test match between England and Australia, where the home side won by a record narrow margin of two runs four years ago.