Hotel chain Premier Inn has submitted a planning application for a new 120-bedroom hotel and restaurant at Worcestershire County Cricket Club's (WCCC) New Road ground.

The proposals will form part of a wider redevelopment of the venue, with Premier Inn parent company Whitbread investing GBP7.5m in the construction of the hospitality element.

Meanwhile, WCCC is to invest more than GBP2.5m on creating new conference and executive facilities at the ground. If approved, it is hoped work will commence in September this year.

The news comes as WCCC reported a profit after interest of nearly GBP212,000 for the year to 30 September 2011, with increased revenue from both membership and ticket sales.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club also posted a profit for the period (GBP294,000), with total income increasing by around GBP650,000 through donations and ECB funding.