RINGWOOD Town Football Clubs looks set to securing approval for a full redevelopment of their home ground with support from the town council.
The proposed redevelopment of Long Lane, also known as the Macra Community Stadium, will see a brand-new club house, re-configured car park, improved floodlighting, perimeter fencing and a full size 3G artificial turf pitch constructed.
The application was recommended for approval by Ringwood Town Council in partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust (CST). New Forest District Council and Hampshire FA have also been involved in the proposals for the site.
Plans will “enhance the existing sporting facilities at the site” with an aim to provide “a community-based facility” which will be managed by AFC Bournemouth CST.
According to the application, New Forest District Council council received 158 letters of support for the plans from residents and only three objections.
One supporter said: “The design sits well within the site and the new parking design improves access into the site, therefore improving safety off the narrow access road.”
However, another resident said: “We were promised that there would be no further development on this site, which is a sensitive area – farm land, agricultural land, Green Belt.
"Impact from light pollution and damage to local environment, noise pollution.”
The Environment Agency and Environmental Health, raised no concerns “so long as noise and light from the site is suitably controlled.”
Environmental Health recommended restricting the hours of floodlight use between 8am and 10pm Mondays to Sundays, a suggestion which was adhered to in the application.
Town councillor Darren Loose said: “Being a resident, councillor, business owner and volunteer of the football club I know how much this is needed for the future of the club.
"The local children will have first class facilities all year round thanks to the support of all the interested parties including Ringwood Town Council and AFC Bournemouth Community Trust.
"This will be a benefit not just for now but for many years to come.”
Other than 1.8 metre-high fencing along the western boundary of the playing pitch, and the new car parking arrangements, it is not proposed to alter or make any changes to Ringwood Town FC playing pitchand the existing stand and dugouts will remain.
Existing access from Long Lane would remain with a slight cut back of the hedgerow to improve visibility. Moreover, it is not proposed to make any changes to the Firing range building.
Members of New Forest District Council's planning committee will make the final decision on the planning application at a public meeting, which is due to take place today in the council chamber at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst.
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