Lord's Masterplan remains on course

The MCC's Masterplan for the redevelopment of Lord's remains on course after members rejected a motion for an independent inquiry into the processes, finances and governance of the club's ground development.

The club's main committee had asked the membership to vote against the resolution proposed by the MCC Reform Group - a disaffected faction of members - and it was duly rejected by 6,191 votes to 1,556 at a special general meeting.

The committee argued an inquiry would merely delay the development of Lord's - expected to take 15 years - which is necessary as the club bids for future international matches. The bidding for matches from 2017-19 begins in the new year.

New MCC president Mike Gatting called on the club to move forward. "Few subjects exercise and interest the membership as much as how best to develop this wonderful ground of ours," Gatting said. "Lord's is one of the jewels in cricket's crown and must be looked after for benefit of everyone who loves the game, not just now, but in the future.

"With its Masterplan for development, MCC is now excellently placed to improve the facilities at Lord's without losing any of its unique charm. I'm delighted that the membership agree that the club should move forward with its plans.

"We must stop looking back and unite behind the excellent team we have in place to ensure Lord's is the world's finest ground for years to come."