Gloucs hit by stadium setback

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Tom Richardson said: “This decision means that the international cricket programme in Bristol now stops and will be lost forever."

Gloucestershire have claimed the rejection of their redevelopment plans will make it “almost impossible” for the county to remain in Bristol.

The proposals, which have received widespread public support, included a range of modern facilities to get the club up to current ECB standards.

They would have been funded by a residential development of apartments neighbouring the ground, and were the result of extensive public consultation.

The proposals were rejected by Bristol City Council’s planning committee by six votes to four, much to the dismay of Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson.

“We are bitterly disappointed by this decision,” Richardson said. “This decision means that the international cricket programme in Bristol now stops and will be lost forever.

“Furthermore, our overall future in Bristol is also in doubt. It is no secret that Gloucester would be very keen to have us.

“The funding from the development will be lost and the city (Bristol) risks losing what could be its only sports stadium. We need to consider our options, but time is running out.” 

Gloucestershire chairman Rex Body added that: “No decision has yet been reached in regard to an appeal, but this is being considered by the club and will be discussed at a forthcoming board meeting.”

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