Lancashire have responded angrily to Derwent Holdings’ challenge over the redevelopment of Old Trafford after a date was set for the resultant High Court hearing.
The Bermuda-based company, owners of the White City shopping park near the Old Trafford ground, applied in December for a last-minute Judicial Review of Trafford Council’s planning approval of the club’s £70m plans.
The redevelopment, which would put the ground’s capacity at 15,000 with the ability to rise to 25,000 using temporary seating, is necessary if the ground is to host further Test cricket following last year’s England against Bangladesh clash.
“This will be a make or break decision,” said Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes. “The stakes could not be higher.
“If we cannot bring the ground up to international standard, the north-west will lose Test cricket and the Ashes for good. In addition, schools and young people locally will miss out on much-needed sports and community benefits.
“A key part of our plans are guaranteed local jobs for the unemployed, links to local schools and major community benefits. LCCC has been in Old Trafford for 150 years and is seeking to secure a future for International Cricket for the next century.”
