Go-ahead for Notts' £8.2 million development

Nottinghamshire's hopes of retaining Test match status on a long-term basis have been boosted by permission to build a stand increasing capacity by 2000 seats to 17,500.

Trent Bridge will undergo a £8.2 million renovation on the Bridgford Road side of the ground. The plans include the installation of permanent floodlights, and a new office and administration block, which will be the base for match officials and will incorporate a replay screen and electronic scoreboard.

Derek Brewer, Notts' chief executive, said: "We are delighted. It means that a major hurdle has been cleared in our bid to upgrade another section of Trent Bridge this winter and the next challenge is to finalise the package to fund the scheme.

"We have been involved for many months in detailed discussions to raise the finance and hopefully it will all come together in time to carry out the building work as scheduled." The club hope to have the renovation ready for the visits of New Zealand and South Africa in 2008.