Downham Market councillors try to block football club revamp

But in the case of Downham Market FC, its town councillors have decided to oppose the club after disagreeing with its plans to revamp its dugout and stands.

The team, whose men's side is currently sixth in the Thurlow Nunn Premier League division, is hoping to extend and improve its facilities at its grounds in the War Memorial Playing Field in order to meet the Football Association's standards for the league they are in.

Downham Market FC's grounds at the Memorial Playing Field in Lynn Road (Image: Google)

The 140-year-old club needs to make the changes to ensure it can host home matches for its first team on the pitch.

In a statement, the club warned that a failure to make these improvements could mean that the club would fold as it could not afford to pay another club to use its facilities.

However, Downham Market Town Council have chosen to object to the plans.

A visualisation of what the revamped stand would look like (Image: Downham Market FC)

They worry that the extension of the stands could lead to overshadowing and a loss of a view for neighbouring residents.

In addition, there are concerns that it could lead to increased traffic, putting further strain on already congested surrounding roads.

They also worry that space for more supporters will create more noise which could upset the community living near the field.

But it would appear that local support still remains strong as there have been more than 50 written letters of support to West Norfolk Council (WNC), the planning authority that will vote on the bid next week.

After weighing up the pros and cons, officers at WNC have decided to recommend councillors give the project the green light to go ahead, arguing the improvement will be of great benefit to the wider community and that the changes are relatively minor.

Members of the planning committee at WNC will make the final decision next week.