07 January 2016 | Callum Dent
Leicestershire have been granted planning permission to install six floodlights at Grace Road.
The Foxes submitted a planning application last November and were given the go-ahead to start work at a meeting at Leicester City Council last night.
Leicestershire are hoping to have the lights in place for their first NatWest T20 Blast fixture of the season, against Northants Steelbacks, on May 20.
Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket chief executive Wasim Khan MBE said: “It is fantastic news for Leicestershire County Cricket Club that planning permission was granted at the meeting.
“Floodlights are an important aspect of supporting our sustainability strategy and we look forward to improving the match-day experience for our supporters.
“We saw an average 48 per cent increase in attendances at Grace Road for NatWest T20 Blast matches in 2015. The installation of floodlights will help us to both retain and grow our audiences.
“We can start our NatWest T20 Blast games later in the evening which will give more people the opportunity to attend after work.”
Source: ECB