Sussex face planning d-day

Sussex will go before the local council on Wednesday to argue their case for planning approval which they say is vital if the club is to remain and prosper in Hove, their home for 167 years.

The club feel that unless they are allowed to expand the County Ground, which is surrounded by residential areas, they will been forced to move elsewhere. Gus Mackay, the chief executive, said: "We have proved to be one of the most successful sides in recent cricketing history, indeed our success has been compared to the equivalent of Brighton and Hove Albion finishing ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United.

"But to continue to compete for honours it is essential that we have a ground that is both welcoming to spectators and fit for the 21st century, it has to provide additional income streams. If we cannot develop a ground to this required standard then our future at Hove is bleak."

The plans have been drawn up over the last six years and have already been halved in size at the request of the council and the club has dropped plans for a major development at the North End.

Sussex are the defending County Champions and holders of the C&G Trophy, now called the Friends Provident Trophy for 2007.