AMERICAN Independence Day takes on a special meaning to Lancashire this year – and chief executive Jim Cumbes reckons that July 4 is the most significant date in the Red Rose’s 153-year history.

On that day the Court of Appeal will hear the appeal against Lancashire’s ground re-development plans by Isle of Man-based billionaire Albert Gubay’s Derwent Holdings, owner of the nearby White City retail park.

And Cumbes is aware that the entire future of the club hangs in the balance.

“It’s a real day of destiny,” he said. “The future prospects for the club will rest on the decision, make no mistake.

“We are confident of winning and bringing to an end a protracted legal process which has been draining the club financially and preventing us from transforming our ageing ground and facilities.

“Mr Gubay’s own plan for a rival food store at White City has been rejected by the planning authority and a public inquiry. His latest challenge seems a pointless exercise, but it is creating ertainty for us due to its financial implications.”

Gubay has refused the club’s request to back down and Cumbes added: “It is still not too late for Mr Gubay to drop this further legal challenge, and I urge him to in the interests of cricket and the whole sporting community of the Northwest.”

The club’s plans include £32m of investment in new pitches, stands, state-of-the-art player and media facilities and an extension to the ground's indoor cricket school and public areas. Two new grandstands and a refurbished pavilion will ensure a capacity of 15,000, capable of rising to 25,000 with temporary seating, and a screen showing action replays and the new floodlights.

The club is already implementing its legal planning consent by moving ahead with the installation of four new 53m high floodlights, which will be completed by the Twenty20 match with India in August.