Westminster Council resolves to grant permission for Lord's Cricket Ground

Marylebone Cricket Club's proposals include the demolition of the existing Allen Stand and Tavern Stand at the south-west corner of the ground and their replacement with a new stand with 5,200 seats.

The existing Thomas Lord Building is proposed to be replaced under the plans, which also include a new scorer's box, a new Harris Garden building and the relocation of a pub.

Members of the Council's planning applications committee voted in favour of the plans at a meeting last week, after finding that "the less than substantial harm" that would be caused to the setting of the ground's Grade II* listed pavilion under the plans would be outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.

Construction of the new Warner Stand at the ground commenced in September as part of the plans for the first phase of redevelopment, the plans for which were approved in March 2014.

Planning expert Susanne Andreasen of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com, said: "This is good news for the Cricket Club and the positive committee resolution is key for unlocking the next part of the Club’s masterplan for the ground. Although commencement of this phase is unlikely to start until 2019 due to the Cricket World Club taking place that year, the masterplan redevelopments will help ensure the ground maintains its standing in the cricket world."