FC United’s planning application delayed
FC United of Manchester’s planning application to build a new 5,000-seat stadium in Moston has been moved back due to “an unprecedented level of interest” in the application.
The not-for-profit commumity club has applied to build the stadium on the Ronald Johnson playing fields close to Lightbowne Road and had expected its proposal to be heard at a planning meeting next week. However, its application has been put back due to the sheer number of responses both supporting and opposing its plans.
The club said that it wanted to ensure that it properly addressed local residents’ concerns before its application is heard.
“As well as letters detailing concerns and questions from residents, we have been reassured by the level of support we have been experiencing in the Moston area and we understand that many letters of support have now been submitted to the council.
“We also believe a number of people who were against the plan have now signed up in support, since hearing the full facts from our team of volunteers out on the streets of north Manchester.”
The club has played its grounds at Bury’s Gigg Lane stadium since being formed in 2005 in protest at the Glazer family’s takeover of Manchester United, but has said that it needs its own ground in order to secure its own long-term financial viability.
It said that funding for the stadium is “progressing positively” and that a revised Community Shares scheme offer document would be issued soon.
“We have had some positive feedback from a number of funders and whilst the targets remain a challenge the support and the determination shown by FC supporters gives us confidence that we can reach our capital budget targets.”
The firm has also been reviewing tender bids from main contractors looking to build the stadium.
“Once we have considered the tenders and finalised the draft of the Community Shares Scheme we will be able to announce further details on timing in terms of work starting on the site (subject to planning approval).”
