Villagers oppose football club's plans to expand

One of the proposed new stands will hold 50 seated supporters

A non-league football club based in Worcestershire wants to build two new stands at its stadium, but locals fear the club is growing too big for the size of the village.

Inkberrow Football Club has applied to Wychavon District Council for planning permission for the improvements to its home in Sands Road, Inkberrow.

But the application has already attracted objections with some arguing the village is being "swamped" by the team's expansion.

Documents submitted alongside the planning application said there was a proven need for the club to enhance the capacity and sustainability of its existing pitches.

If approved, the new covered terraces would be located between the club’s existing stands and the home and away dugouts.

One stand would support room for 70 standing supporters while the second stand would hold room for 50 seated supporters.

Commenting on the proposal, one local resident said: "I live on a small rural road which is being swamped by this tiny club expanding beyond the size of the road it sits on.

"There is not enough parking as it stands without extra seating."

A fellow resident said: "I feel this football club is asking for more and more.

"It will be like Birmingham City Football Club’s ground in the middle of a little village.

"Living in this what was once a quiet idyllic road in a rural village has become like living in a busy city, and our quiet Saturdays and Sundays in our gardens have lost their tranquillity as I’m left listening to shouting and swearing football players."

The BBC has contacted Inkberrow Football Club for a comment.

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

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