Durham given go-ahead for floodlights

Durham's future as an international venue has received a major boost with the club granted planning permission to install floodlights at Chester-le-Street.

The Earl of Scarborough, whose seat is Lumley Castle that overlooks the Riverside ground, was the primary opponent to the plans but Durham County Council unanimously approved the planning application.

Preparatory work had already taken place with a view to installing six floodlights and now, with the green light for installation given, Durham are hoping to have use of their floodlights this season.

Floodlights are essential for Durham to stage matches at the 2019 World Cup. All of the venues allocated matches for the World Cup will now have floodlights in place by next season.

And of the 18 county grounds, only Leicestershire, Somerset and Worcestershire will not have floodlights by 2016, as more counties get set to take advantage of later start times for evening T20 matches.

"This is a hugely significant decision," Durham chief executive David Harker said. "We are all absolutely thrilled because having floodlights at the ground is vital to the future of the club, and means that international cricket will continue to be played in the north east.

"There was a danger that we were perceived to be slipping behind the game at a time when we are looking to renew contracts and agree new sponsorship deals. People have to have the confidence that we are moving forward as an international ground, and this decision means that we are."

Durham become the second county in as many days to receive planning permission for floodlights after Gloucestershire were given the go-ahead for their own plans at Bristol.