Essex have played at the County Ground, Chelmsford since 1925

Essex have been given the green light to upgrade the facilities at their county headquarters at Chelmsford.

The improvements include an increase in capacity from 6,000 to 8,000, as well as a new pavilion and media centre.

New residential units, retail space and a multi-storey car-park will also be built as part of the proposals.

The redevelopment plans were delayed after they were called in by the government, but the secretary of state has now granted the application.

Chief Executive David East, told BBC Essex: "We are absolutely delighted and very relieved.

"It was two years ago that we put the original application into Chelmsford Borough Council and it's the best part of a year since we had the planning inquiry.

"It's been a long hard wait but we're absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has granted approval."

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