By Connor Hannon
Plans for a new community sports facility at Poole Town FC are approaching the decision-making stage, and it is soon to be announced whether it has been approved by the government.
Poole Town unveiled their plans to create a community sports village, including a new stadium, in June.
However, the club are still awaiting a decision on the allocation of land for community benefit, which would enable the delivery of the scheme.
Richard Gale, director and community officer at Poole Town, said: “The community is key. If there is no community benefit, the proposition of the football club moving anywhere will be negative with local residents.”
He added: “The first step is for it be approved by government.
“It’s not a five-minute fix and we’re not at the planning permission stage but we must prove it is the best value for the land the council own.
“It’s a long-winded process, the land is currently greenbelt within the local plan and in for a change of use, which would enable it to become a site for recreation and sport.”
Since their departure from Poole Speedway Stadium in 1994, the Dolphins have led a nomadic existence without a permanent home, playing their football at Tatnam Farm.
The BlackGold Stadium (Tatnam Farm) has undergone a major transformation in recent years and the club hope to keep the ground, even with the new stadium.
Poole Town Chairman Chris Reeves believes Tatnam has played a vital role in Poole’s success.
Reeves said: “Tatnam has been the vehicle to enable us to progress back up through the pyramid.”
He added: “We don’t want to lose Tatnam, because we will be able to use it for the wider community for years to come.
“The club has so much potential, and we will continue to go from strength to strength, but we need the facilities to do that.”
Poole Town’s Supporters Club Chairman, Dan Wilson believes the new stadium is vital to match the club’s ambitions.
He said: “It would be amazing to have a new ground, something that has been needed for years.”
“With the lack of facilities in Poole, it would be fantastic for the community.”
