The multi-million pound redevelopment of Old Trafford cricket ground, Manchester, has received the green light after the government said it would not call in the scheme.

Government Office North West has backed Trafford Council's decision in March to approve the plans, which were put forward by Old Trafford Partnership and will enable preparatory work to continue. The partnership - comprising Ask Developments, Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) and Tesco - hopes the scheme will attract £70m of inward investment to halt the local area's economic decline.

Plans will lead to the transformation of a 50-acre (20.2-hectare) site - including a redevelopment of the cricket ground in order to meet the England and Wales Cricket Board's criteria for international status. LCCC chief executive Jim Cumbes said: "This is an historic decision for the future of international cricket in the North West - we can now press on with redeveloping the famous Old Trafford cricket ground and securing our place as one of the world's best cricketing arenas.

"Government Office North West has backed the council's recognition of the important role the club plays in supporting Trafford's economy - especially through hosting international matches like the Ashes."