A MULTI-million pound plan to transform Hampshire's Rose Bowl into one of the top Test cricket grounds in the world has been given the all-clear by Whitehall.
The Government Office for the South East (GOSE) has rubberstamped the proposals which were passed by Eastleigh Council at the end of March.
It means that the final planning hurdle has been cleared for county cricket chiefs to fulfil their dream of a £45m super bowl with a seating capacity for 25,000 spectators.
Watch a video of how the Rose Bowl will look
Rose Bowl PLC chairman Rod Bransgrove described it as fantastic news.
He said: "It is worth reminding ourselves that this development is not just about the hotel and international cricket, although they are both vital elements in securing the future of our club. The new ground development will also provide a fabulous environment for county cricket and I am particularly excited for our loyal Hampshire members who will soon be able to enjoy some of the best facilities in the country."
Mr Bransgrove unveiled the spectacular blueprint at a high profile press conference at Lords nearly two years ago.
It will make the Rose Bowl the second biggest English ground after the home of cricket in London and put it firmly on track to becoming the first of a new generation of Test grounds.
It will also boost the Rose Bowl's capacity for staging pop concerts which have in the past included The Who and Billy Joel.
There will be a media centre with press boxes, broadcasting area and 200- seat lounge, restaurant and bars, conference centre and leisure complex.
New stands on the west and east sides of the ground will have a capacity for 25,000 spectators.
The golf course will be redesigned and increased to 18 holes.
It is planned to have the hotel and new stands ready for the 2010 season.
