Poole Town Football Club (PTFC) were finally granted approval for their stadium upgrade by the Borough of Poole.
Having been granted funds of roughly £32,000 from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), PTFC applied for planning permission from Poole Borough Council in early September which was accepted shortly after.
Due to the nature of the club’s agreement with the council, they also had to apply for ‘Landlord’s Consent’ before they could proceed with any improvements to facilities. They have received 3 years planning permission.
The new facilities will consist of a new stand with a capacity of 250 people, a new bar, new toilets and a turnstile. PTFC need the upgrade due to requirements in the Calor League Premier Division, to which they have recently been promoted. If promotion were achieved again, more improvements would be required.
Poole Borough Council’s primary objection was a potential issue with parking. Vice Chairman of PTFC Chris Reeves, 61, said: “We had a local community police officer present to the council assuring them there should be no issue with parking.”
Reeves went on to add that he believed the investment could end up costing as much as £150,000. PTFC’s facilities director Rod Taylor is managing the project and intends to tackle it as soon as possible.
According to Reeves there may be some reluctant interruption to fixtures during the process, however they intend to do their best to avoid it.
A tweet on Tuesday evening stated the club were disappointed that they could not announce the news that evening at their home fixture against Frome Town FC in the FA Trophy.
Was hoping to announce at the game tonight – received Landlords Consent today for Tatnam upgrade. Full steam ahead. Thanks @BoroughofPoole
— Poole Town FC 🐬 (@PooleTownFC) October 22, 2013
PTFC have had temporary upgrades in place since 2011 allowing them to be promoted on the promise of upgrades and had this not been accepted, they could have faced relegation and further frustrations in a league far below their potential. They won the Wessex Premier League for the third consecutive season in 2010/11.
PTFC travel to Staines Town for their FA Cup 4th qualifier this Saturday.
https://twitter.com/BoroughofPoole/status/392964200051388416
