Hundred back football club stand and pitch plans

A sports club's plans to upgrade a football pitch and add an area for spectators have been welcomed.

There were proposals for 200 seats and the same number of standing spaces, according to an application over plans by Stone Old Alleynians Football Club, which has more than 70 teams.

Stafford Borough Council has had more than 100 responses backing the Stone club's proposals to enlarge the existing play area and install a stand at Alleyne's Sports Centre, Oulton Road.

Stone Town Council members also spoke in support at a meeting. But a number of residents have raised concerns about traffic, parking and safety.

The club has been running for more than 60 years and its teams range from under fives to over 70s, with sessions for boys, girls, mixed groups, men, women, veterans and disabled players and those with special needs.

Most play at the sports centre - part of Alleyne's Academy.

But the men's first team has had to play outside the town boundary since 1999 because facilities they require are unavailable in Stone, a statement, submitted as part of the application, said.

The existing 2G artificial pitch had "reached the end of its life and is no longer fit for purpose", it stated.

The new pitch "will provide year-round, all-weather provision, supporting over 1,500 club members, alongside school and community users".

A dedicated accessible viewing area was proposed and new tree planting would provide natural screening, the statement added.

Those who have spoken in support include current and former club members.

One resident said facilities would "instantly be in high demand, helping to support the wellbeing of four generations".

Another stated having a facility that was not only "capable of being an approved matchday ground, but also all-weather, better surface and spectator capabilities is fantastic to hear".

Stone town councillor Jason Metters said he was aware there were concerns about "lighting impact on residents", but he did not think "it should derail a project with such value to the community".

One resident said the proposed development would add significantly more traffic on Oulton Road and "is seriously lacking parking spaces on site which will further decrease road safety".

Another stated if the facility was used at night, "the noise will be intrusive".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.