A Derbyshire football club’s main stand can be rebuilt and upgraded, after a proposal for the project was given the green light.

Buxton FC have applied to High Peak Borough Council to create a 1,000 capacity stand at their Silverlands stadium in Buxton.

The club said the new stand, which would replace the existing 500-capacity structure, would not increase overall capacity but would give supporters the option of sitting instead of standing.

Buxton chairman David Hopkins said the 50-year-old Main Stand “looks tired” and the new stand will “prepare the club for future generations and beyond”.

THE Local democracy information service (LDRS) said plans for the new main stand include a ground floor kitchen, changing rooms, classroom and reception area with a staircase providing access to the first floor.

The first floor would include a large reception room and bar area, a directors’ lounge, a private dressing room and toilets.

“This new stand will consolidate the facilities currently scattered across the floor and take up space where people can currently stand,” Mr Hopkins said.

“Hospitality, club shop and canteen will be improved and integrated into this new stand.”

Despite the approval, the LDRS said the council had received nine representations expressing concerns about the development.

These included increased traffic, parking problems with increased noise, disruption and litter.

Resident Colin Moss, of nearby Woodside, said: “Existing problems with traffic congestion and users seeking to park in nearby residential areas are likely to get worse. »

In response, the club president said: “I think what has been lost in the planning is the fact that we are not increasing the overall capacity of the stadium.

“It won’t increase the number of people coming to games, it will just increase the comfort of fans at the game.

“I understand the concerns of residents, but I think this is what we find in most building permit applications.”

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “Subject to strict compliance conditions and pre-commencement conditions, it was found that the proposed development would not have a negative impact on public and residential amenities , nor on road safety. »

With his club currently in 5th place in the sixth tier of English football, Mr Hopkins said the increase in seating would help meet some stadium requirements in the higher divisions, if they were promoted.

“It’s a great time to be in Buxton,” he added.

“The biggest challenge now will be delivering the grandstand whilst playing at the stadium during the season.”