Sussex keen to redevelop

Hove is in need of renovation

Sussex will ask for permission to modernise the County Ground when they meet council planners on Wednesday.

The county champions are desperate to improve their 167-year-old base in Hove and believe the scheme would be beneficial to the whole area.

Sussex have been working on the proposal for six years and take it to the city council planning committee knowing the decision could have a major impact on the club's future.

Chief executive Gus Mackay said: "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."