Plymouth Argyle Home Park revamp approved by council

Images of the £50m redevelopment include a new south stand at Plymouth Argyle's Home Park ground

Plans for a £50m redevelopment of Plymouth Argyle's Home Park ground have been approved by the city council.

The project includes a new grandstand, 10-screen cinema, ice rink and a hotel.

At a planning meeting, critics raised concerns about car parking in the area, construction waste, landscaping, retail impact and the future of 18 nearby hornbeam trees.

Club owner the Akkeron Group said the development would create 1,000 new jobs and improve Home Park's facilities.

Akkeron took over Argyle in 2011 after the club went into administration.

It said the development would help put the club on a more sustainable financial footing.

Akkeron founder James Brent told the meeting at Plymouth's Civic Centre - described by Labour councillor Bill Stevens as "jam packed" - the new facilities would "enhance pride and aspirations of city".

Before the plans were approved, the club said work could start in September and may be completed in 2015.