The club hopes to build two 3,000 seater stands

The First Division club wants to make Raydale Park a 6,000 all-seater ground to meet SPL standards.

However, there had been local concern over possible noise and traffic.

The club expressed disappointment at the decision, which means it may miss the March deadline on stadium criteria, but said it hoped it could groundshare.

Graeme Muir, chief executive of Gretna FC, said: "Obviously we're disappointed at the decision, but it doesn't stop our ambitions to be in the SPL."

The plans involve building two 3,000 capacity stands at either end of the ground.

Secure promotion

The proposals had been expected to be submitted earlier this year but were stalled over concerns about traffic volumes.

A transport statement was later included showing proposals to deal with crowds and extra vehicles on match days.

A petition was also submitted backing the development, saying it would benefit the community as a whole.

Local planning officers decided to delay granting permission for the work pending a site visit.