Football club submits plan for new spectator stands and works to address subsidence risks at historic ground
Stourbridge Football Club has submitted plans for new spectator stands and minor works at its War Memorial Athletic Ground in Amblecote to help address subsidence risks and shore up the club’s future.
A planning application (P25/1374) has been submitted to Dudley Council seeking permission for new and replacement spectator stands and associated minor alterations within the grounds of the club off Amblecote High Street, Stourbridge.
One end of the ground is sited at the top of a sandstone embankment which is crumbling and in March the football club said a stand and some floodlights would have to be demolished due to safety fears.
The works proposed aim to address the issues and replace compromised structures at the historic war memorial ground which is owned by Dudley Council.
A design and access statement submitted on behalf of Stourbridge FC as part of the planning application states: “The proposals are required to remedy structural and geotechnical risks affecting existing structures and to re-provide safe, modern, and accessible spectator accommodation positioned away from unstable ground.”
It adds that the club previously secured planning consent for stand improvements, elements of which were partly implemented, but certain areas identified for stand positions coincide with areas of ground instability.
The report goes on to say: “Despite prolonged discussions with the landowner (Dudley Council) on potential works to the cutting/embankment, a mutually acceptable stabilisation scheme has not been agreed.
“The club therefore proposes to demolish unsafe/compromised structures and re-site new stands in safe zones, whilst retaining usable standing areas that are unaffected.”
The report urges council planners to approve the application to safeguard the future of the club.
It concludes: “The proposals deliver a safety-led renewal of spectator facilities, addressing known stability risks, whilst preserving the ground’s character and enhancing the supporter experience. The layout, scale and appearance are consistent with the existing stadium fabric, and access arrangements remain as established.
“Approval is sought to enable timely replacement of compromised structures and to safeguard the club’s ongoing community use of the site.”
People can read more about the plan and have their say on Dudley Council's planning portal (search P25/1374).
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live. Visit publicnoticeportal.uk.
