A planning application submitted by Brit Oval at Surrey County Cricket Club to build a hotel and new stand has been refused by Lambeth Borough Council.

A spokesperson said: “This refusal is based entirely on advice that Lambeth has received from the Health and Safety Executive, relating to the development’s proximity to the gasholders.

“We have commissioned specialist advice to address these technical issues and are confident that we will be in a position to resubmit our planning application very shortly.”

The proposals comprised demolishing the existing Surrey Tavern, opening up the front entrance to the ground to feature a piazza, and replacing the existing Lock and Laker stands with a new stand featuring a further 2,000 seats.

In addition, the club planned to build a four-star hotel in partnership with the Arora International Hotel Group.

Stadia architects HOK Sport designed the project, and if a new application is approved, completion is expected by the end of 2009, in time for the next Ashes series.