WORK on redeveloping Somerset County Cricket Club's County Ground could get underway this autumn if a new planning application is approved.

The club has submitted plans to Taunton Deane Council for the third phase of its redevelopment plans, which include providing luxury apartments for over 55s - with views overlooking the cricket ground, retail units, café and restaurant space and a covered parking area.

This will replace the west side of the ground from the River Stand to the Ridley Stand.

Two other applications have been submitted to the council for consideration.

These will replace the buildings on the south side of the ground to provide facilities for international matches, as well as house the National Women's Cricket Centre.

Richard Gould, chief executive of the club, said: "Although this is the third phase application we have submitted, we actually plan to complete this section first, as it will help fund the rest of the development.

"Our aim with the project is that we are trying to create the best county ground in England, not a big international ground.

"We want to keep the ground's character."

The application will be discussed by Taunton Deane Council's planning committee, but Mr Gould is hoping to get planning permission by the end of the summer.

He said: "The aim is to start work on the project this autumn so that we do not have to move from the ground during the work.

"We are hoping that it will take 20 months to complete and then get on with the rest of the redevelopment."