A £10 million redevelopment of Worcestershire County Cricket ground - including a hotel and a new members' pavilion - has leapt the final planning hurdle and is set to go ahead.

The scheme, which also includes banqueting and conference facilities, executive boxes and improved player and spectator facilities, has been approved by the Government.

The plan was approved by Worcester City Council at the end of April but following an objection by the Environment Agency, which was concerned about the flooding risk, it had to be sent to the Government for consideration.

Head of Worcester city planning Paul O'Connor said: "The Environment Agency made a formal objection and it had to go to the Government office. I think the Government saw that we had considered the Environment Agency's concerns against our policies and the specifics of the design and that won the day."

He said the next step would be for club and council to sign off the legal agreement, which could be in days or a few weeks, then the club would have formal planning permission.

"The important thing is there are now not any hurdles. The club can move forward in the knowledge it can go ahead."

A delighted and relieved cricket club chief executive Mark Newton said: "We have overcome the final major planning hurdle. The rest is a technicality. It is fantastic. Now we can focus on the hotel development. The hotel will finance a lot of the scheme. It is a huge relief. We first started this project three-and-a half years ago and the latest ideas have been going for a year," he said.

All the buildings will be above the flooding level with open basements to allow flood water to flow away. Worcestershire County Cricket ground has been flooded 133 times since 1899.

The first phase of the development will be to build the hotel with 90 suites - 17 of which would overlook the ground - which will be on the neighbouring garage site. "Every day I walk over the bridge and see that garage and it is a disgrace. It is long overdue that that site was modernised. The first phase would not affect cricket so we can get on with it.

"The second phase will include building the stand along New Road and the members' pavilion, so that will have to be done in the winter months. We are hoping to have more details and a time scale by the end of the season," said Mr Newton.

He said the ground was regarded as one of the loveliest in England and around the world and it was vital to retain its character and ambience.

"It is a well-loved ground in England and around the world. We have a duty to look after it. The critical issue is keeping the buildings above the flood level," said Mr Newton.