Beauty is in the eye of the gasholder for Oval cricket fans

3rd Investec Test match between England and South Africa at The Kia Oval on July 30, 2017
3rd Investec Test match between England and South Africa at The Kia Oval on July 30, 2017 Credit: Getty

For more than a century, that iconic towering skeletal frame that looms over the pitch has been synonymous with Test match cricket.

But under controversial plans now given the green light, the Grade II listed structure is to be dismantled and rebuilt with a modern block of flats tucked inside its frame.

Mr Blofeld, the 78-year-old retired cricket commentator, said the planned changes to the cricketing world’s most famous skyline is a “tremendous pity” that will see him “shed a tear”.

Architects impression of the apartments inside the gasholder on Kennington Lane, South London Credit: Lambeth Council

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