Sussex ponder Hove move

The County Ground at Hove is quintessentially English but needs to expand © Getty Images

Sussex could be forced to leave Hove after 167 years unless the club secures approval to redevelop the ground. David Green, the Sussex chairman, warned that the county's success, which has lifted the side to the top of the domestic scene, may be unsustainable.

The county has been operating at a loss for the last six years and posted a deficit of £389,466 for 2006 despite winning the Championship and C&G Trophy.

But Green insists if Sussex are to continue to compete with wealthier rivals they must generate more income - and that means getting permission to redevelop the southern end of the County Ground. Sussex's application goes before Brighton and Hove Council's planning committee on April 4. Planners have recommended the club's amended proposals are rejected and Green has warned that if they are Sussex might look to relocate elsewhere in the county.

"Everyone knows we have punching above our weight in cricketing terms," said Green. "What we have achieved on the playing side is fantastic when you compare our resources to other counties and is a testament to everyone involved in the cricket department - coaches and players.

"But our success actually increased cricket costs. Other clubs are showing an interest in our players and coaching staff and we are finding it increasingly difficult to retain and attract good players within the cost restraints imposed upon us. That is why we need to develop the ground to improve the revenue streams so we can try and sustain the success we are having and keep the squad together."

Sussex have some high earning players on their books such as Chris Adams, who was nearly lured away to Yorkshire, while stars such as Mushtaq Ahmed and Murray Goodwin won't come cheap.

"To give serious consideration to our plans for the south end of the ground, including flats and offices, the planners asked us to withdraw our huge existing permission for development at the north end which has been in place for a number of years," explained Green. "They also told us we would be unlikely to get permission to develop the other sides of the ground. That leaves us nowhere to economically redevelop the ground if we can't go ahead with the current scheme.

"If that is the case, we have to seriously consider looking for an alternative site elsewhere in the county. It was something the club discussed a few years ago but we decided to stay at Hove. There was a lot of interest then and I'm confident there would be councils who would be happy to accommodate us."