PLANS to build a new stand at a village football club have been backed by Hartley Wintney Parish Council.

Hartley Wintney Football Club, who ply their trade in the Combined Counties Football League, have applied to Hart District Council to construct a 63-seat supporters stand, extensions to the existing club house and changing rooms and a new area of fencing, including turnstiles, and areas of hard standing.

If accepted, the construction will take place at The Memorial Playing Fields, in Green Lane.

The proposals were submitted after failed ground grading at the club’s home ground meant that despite winning the CCL Premier League, they were unable to go up a division.

Concerns including about the fencing around the pitch at the club meant the village club, who are on course for promotion again this season if the amendments required by the Football Association are met, did not satisfy the correct criteria for going up.

And now the parish council has thrown its weight behind the plan to build on the successes of the club on the pitch with work off it.

Cllr Cathy Roberts, chairman of Hartley Wintney Parish Council, said: “The parish council supports the application to build an additional stand and extend the clubhouse facilities as it is a sign of the progress the club have made towards rising through the leagues and we congratulate them on their efforts.”

The public consultation on the plans has now closed and HDC expect a decision on the application to be decided within the next few weeks.

Club treasurer Colin Charlton said: “It’s not just about football. This application and work could really leave a legacy for the village.”