FA Cup heroes given green light for stadium revamp

Work could start within weeks, the club has said

An FA Cup hopeful side from Leicestershire has secured its latest victory off the field - by gaining planning permission for a stadium expansion.

It follows on-field success for Harborough Town after winning four qualifiers to reach the FA Cup first round for the first time.

However, following promotion earlier in the year, the club had been warned by the Football Association (FA) it faced relegation if it did not improve its facilities by March 2025.

The club's co-chairman Pete Dougan says contractors are on standby and work to build a new 154-seat stand could be completed by January.

'Game-changer'

The FA confirmed the club is required to upgrade its facilities following Harborough's promotion to the Southern League Premier Central in May.

The planning application, approved by Harborough District Council on Tuesday, is for a new 154-seat covered stand, as well as two standing covered stands, new toilets, catering and hospitality units.

Mr Dougan says the improvements will not just benefit the first team.

"We have 65 other teams that play football here from under-5s to walking footballers," he told the BBC.

"I think it is a massive game-changer. It will secure the football club here long, long, long after I'm gone, let's put it that way."

Harborough Town secured a new lease a couple years ago for another 50 years.

Mr Dougan confirmed expansion work would not affect any games or training and could start within 10 weeks.