Buxton FC given permission to build new stand

A Derbyshire football club's main stand can be re-built and upgraded, after a proposal for the project was given the green light.

Buxton FC applied to High Peak Borough Council to create a 1,000-capacity stand at its Silverlands Stadium in Buxton.

The club said the new stand, which would would replace the existing 500-capacity structure, would not increase overall capacity but give fans the option to sit instead of stand.

Buxton's Chairman, David Hopkins, said the 50 year-old Main Stand is "looking tired" and the new stand will "prepare the club for future generations and beyond".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the new Main Stand plans include a ground floor kitchen, changing rooms, a classroom, and a reception area with a staircase allowing access to a first floor.

The first floor would incorporate a large function room and bar area, a directors' lounge, a private box and toilet facilities.

"This new stand will consolidate facilities that are currently dotted around the ground and will take up space where people can currently stand up," said Mr Hopkins.

"The hospitality, the club shop and canteen facilities will be better and encompassed in this new stand."

Despite being approved, the LDRS said the council received nine representations expressing concerns over the development.

These included more traffic, parking issues with increased noise, disturbance and litter.

Resident Colin Moss, of nearby Woodside, said: "The existing problems of traffic congestion and of users seeking to park in nearby residential areas is likely to worsen."

In response, the club's chairman said: "I think what got lost in the planning is the fact we are not increasing the overall capacity of the stadium.

"This will not increase the amount of people coming to the games, it will just increase the comfort fans will have at the match.

"I understand the concerns the locals had but I think you get that with most planning applications."

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: "Subject to strict compliance and pre-commencement conditions, it has been found that the proposed development would not adversely impact public and residential amenity, or highway safety."

With his club currently sitting 5th in the sixth tier of English football, Mr Hopkins said the seating increase will help meet certain stadium requirements in higher divisions, if they get promoted.

"It's a great time to be at Buxton," he added.

"The biggest challenge now will be delivering the stand whilst still playing at the stadium during the season."