Surrey have avoided near "catastrophic" consequences after plans for a new £35million stand at the Brit Oval were given the go-ahead this week.

After a long-running battle spanning nearly 18 months, Surrey were finally granted planning permission for a new stand which will increase capacity at the ground to 25,000.

Initially, Lambeth Council permitted proposals for the multi-million pound blueprint. However, after objections from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on the grounds that the proposed development is too close to the nearby Kennington Gas Station, the plans hung in the balance.

But after a public inquiry, Surrey were given the green light to begin work on the new development, much to the relief of Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon.

He told the Advertiser: "As much as we are delighted – it's also a feeling of huge relief.

It's something we've never really understood, so we feel completely vindicated.

"We couldn't understand their (HSE) logic; there are places much closer to the gas holders than us - the residents for one."

In addition to the new stand, the proposals will include a four star Arora Hotel.

Surinder Arora, chairman of Arora Hotels International, will fund the £35m development. And Sheldon admits a 'no' decision would have been disastrous for the Brown Caps.

"If we hadn't been given planning permission it wouldn't have been catastrophic for the club – but close to it. We couldn't have continued developing the ground at the pace we are at the moment without the all clear. It was a very frustrating period for everyone involved. Surinder Arora could have lost interest, but thankfully he is still on board – he is a fantastic partner.

"We are very disappointed that this could have happened – but thankfully it has been a triumph for common sense."

With the cloud over their existing redevelopment plans removed, Sheldon has set his sights on further improving the Brit Oval.

"It's important for us to keep moving. We want to develop all aspects of the club and that includes the ground.

"We hope to develop the opposite stand in the next five years.

"We want to improvement facilities at the Brit Oval so that international cricket is guaranteed here for many years to come."