KENT'S £9million scheme to redevelop their Canterbury headquarters received planning permission following Thursday night's three-hour meeting of Cantrerbury City Council's development control committee.

The scheme to give St Lawrence a facelift also uncludes the construction of a 140-bed Hotel, 300-delegate conference facilities, fitness centre and retail outlets should generate funds toward uprading the ground and stands.

Kent's chief executive Paul Millman said: "We are confident that the outcome will be a facility in Canterbury which will not only be of significant benefit to the local community, but will be a ground of which members and everyone connected with the City of Canterbury can be justly proud."

Kent will now need to organise an extraordinary meeting to obtain permission from the members to sell off two pockets of land for housing to help part-finance the scheme.