GLOUCESTERSHIRE have submitted an application to Bristol City Council for the installation of six floodlights at the Bristol County Ground.

If successful it would allow them to host games at major tournaments such as the ICC Champions Trophy, the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017 and the Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2019.

This news comes after the club held several public exhibitions earlier in the year to hear local residents’ thoughts on the plans.

The club also met with local groups to discuss the plans.

Will Brown, Gloucestershire chief executive, said: “The floodlights are crucial to allow the City to host major international tournaments such as the Cricket World Cup.

“However, it is important that we give local residents a chance to have their say on the proposed plans and they will still be able to comment on the application now it has been submitted.

“Our exhibition and consultation process gave us a chance to consider their comments prior to submitting our plans to Bristol City Council.”

Councillor Simon Cook, Bristol’s Assistant Mayor with responsibility for Sport, said: “This will guarantee much more international cricket in Bristol – something we have been trying to make happen for a long time.

“Not only that, but the club has gone out of its way to engage local people in these plans and has made some significant changes after talking to its neighbours.

“I for one want to see Bristol punching above its weight in the sporting world.”

Gloucestershire say they have tried to address all of the concerns expressed by local residents, particularly around hours of operation, managing spectators during bigger matches and the position of the lights themselves.

The club will be increasing stewarding on selected match days and has already provided Bristol City Council with funding to improve traffic arrangements around the ground.

It has also committed to limiting the hours the lights would be used to a maximum of 15 times a year and only for cricket.

The positioning of the lights has also been taken into consideration after talking with local residents.