Lancashire's Old Trafford redevelopment plans approved

Old Trafford has been Lancashire's home since 1856

Lancashire have been granted permission for a £32m upgrade of Old Trafford.

Test cricket has been played at the ground since 1884 but the club was told without substantial redevelopment, this year's Test would be the last there.

To remain an international venue in the medium-term, modifications must start by 2011 and plans including an adjacent supermarket have been approved.

Subject to Government Office North West formal approval, construction work is set to start in the autumn.

Old Trafford is a legendary venue, scene of Jim Laker's 19-wicket haul in 1956 and Ian Botham's epic century during the 1981 Ashes, but despite matches being consistently well-attended, concerns about the ageing 19,000 capacity ground prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board to overlook it for the Ashes last summer.

There was a Twenty20 international against Australia in 2009 and several leading music acts have played concerts there, but the club are now hopeful that with an updated arena, the biggest Test matches can return to Old Trafford.

The redevelopment plans include rotating the square so that it no longer faces the setting sun, plus permanent floodlights and new player and media facilities.

We have been overwhelmed by the level of support and encouragement we have received

Lancashire's Jim Cumbes

Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes told the club's website: "This is an historic decision for the future of international cricket in the north-west - we can now press on with redeveloping the famous Old Trafford cricket ground and securing our place as one of the world's best cricketing arenas.

"The planning committee recognised the important role the club plays in supporting Trafford's economy - especially through hosting international matches like the Ashes.

"They also backed our plans to deliver a much-needed new retail (centre), offering hundreds of local jobs and millions of pounds in regeneration to this part of the borough.

"With construction work now scheduled to start in the autumn, I would personally like to thank everyone who has backed our proposals.

"We have been overwhelmed by the level of support and encouragement we have received."