Sussex County Cricket Club has released artist's impressions of the planned development that has left its future in doubt.

The drawings show the proposed six-storey complex at the centre of a row between the club and Brighton and Hove City Council.

The Argus revealed yesterday that council officers had recommended the scheme be rejected because they felt it was an overdevelopment of a site in a conservation area.

Planning officer Paul Earp said it would overshadow neighbouring properties.

The club has run at a loss for the past five years and says it would be unable to remain at its 167-year-old County Ground home in Eaton Road, Hove, without redeveloping the Gilligan stand.

If the plans are rejected, the club will consider moving elsewhere in the county, with Crawley a possible location.

Club chief executive Gus Mackay yesterday reiterated his disappointment at the council officer's recommendation.

He said: "You can see from these drawings it would be a fantastic facility. A lot of work has gone into getting them right."

The predominantly white building would contain offices, flats, a restaurant and a conference centre, as well as spectator facilities.

The club considers the revenue it would generate vital to its future.

It is the current holder of the County Championship trophy and is experiencing the most successful period in its history.

Mr Mackay said: "All we want are facilities to match our success on the pitch. We don't want to go for Test status but we want to have the best non-Test ground in the country."

The club received a £10 million bequest from former vicepresident Spen Cama. It wants to use some of the money to finance the redevelopment.

Fans have made their feelings clear via the comments board at www.theargus.co.uk.

Richard Goodyer, from Worthing, said; "The County Ground has been around a lot longer than anybody living in the area and should be protected by some kind of preservation order."

Paul Baron, from Brighton, said: "To force Sussex County Cricket Club (SCCC) out of Hove would be a crime.

"This county never ceases to amaze me when it comes to positive developments, particularly involving our sports teams. The vast majority of conurbations embrace their teams and realise the importance of them."

Stuart Knight, from Hove, said: "We'll see what the residents who overlook the ground think when affordable housing, retail and the odd tower block goes up when SCCC is forced to sell."

The council's planning subcommittee will decide on the scheme at at Hove Town Hall next Wednesday at 2pm.

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