Football club's warehouse plans approved

A warehouse development next to a football ground has been approved by a council.

Proposals for a 19‑acre (7.7-hectare) area adjacent to Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium were backed by West North Northamptonshire Council on Wednesday.

The plans, submitted last year by the football club, will allow the site of a disused former running track to be redeveloped into seven warehouses with space for up to 11 tenants.

Club chairman Kelvin Thomas said the development would create jobs but John Morgan from the supporters' trust said it was unclear how it would benefit fans.

The planned buildings range in height from 10m (33ft) to 15m (49ft), with the largest positioned alongside the recently opened East Stand.

Northampton Town chairman Kelvin Thomas said earlier this month the recommendation was a "very significant and important step for the football club".

"Not only will this development benefit the club, but also the local community with the creation of some much-needed employment opportunities," he added.

Tom Cliffe, the elected supporters' representative on the club's board, said the proposal enjoyed "overwhelming support" among fans.

"As a club, we are a huge asset to the community and this development is crucial to making sure we have a football club moving forward and that we can not only survive, but thrive," he said.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, councillors voted seven to three in favour of the scheme.

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