The Scholars Ground, home of Chasetown FC
The Scholars Ground, home of Chasetown FC

Chasetown FC have applied for permission to keep their temporary stand while they rework plans for a new complex at their Scholars Ground home.

The stand has capacity for 125 people and was erected in the wake of the team’s FA Cup successes in recent years.

The club have already applied for a new 500-seater building, but planning wrangles have meant the project has been delayed. A new plan is currently being drawn up which could see the new complex moved to the side of the pitch instead of behind one of the goals.

As well as potentially holding 500 supporters in the stand on matchdays, the proposed complex would also house dressing rooms, physio rooms, a doctor’s room, club shop, stores and a first floor function room for upto 250 seats for banqueting and community use.

But while that development continues to go through the process, the club are keen to retain their temporary stand.

The planning statement for the application said:

“During the past years, Chasetown FC have had success and are on the brink of promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 league status.

“The Football Association’s Ground Grading Co-Ordinator has insisted that additional facilities are provided to ensure that Chasetown – if successful in securing promotion – are allowed to be promoted to the higher league. At present the facilities are insufficient in terms of meeting the criteria of the Football Association.

“Upon approval for the new 500-seater stand and construction, it will see the removal of this temporary stand.”

Local residents can have their say on the plan to retain the temporary stand on Lichfield District Council’s website.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.