AFC Bournemouth Stadium consultation period extended

The consultation period for AFC Bournemouth’s stadium redevelopment has been extended until November 10.

Consultation was due to end today, October 31, but continued discussion with Wessex Water has delayed the subsequent committee meeting and decision.

Plans for the stadium include the demolition and rebuilding of the south stand increasing capacity, extension of the west stand, enlarged outside broadcast area and away team coach parking.

Earlier this month, a lease for land at Kings Park was approved by BCP council, fundamentally allowing the planning application to get into motion.

Lib Dem Councillor Mike Cox, who brought forward the lease motion, told Buzz News: “It will still need to go through the proper planning processes, but I hope the plot they’ve got will be acceptable for the [planning committee] residents.”

Not everyone has been supportive of the application however, with 17 neighbour representation objections already this month.

Gavin Tew of Middleton Gardens – directly opposite the East Stand – has objected to the proposed plans via the council website.

He said: “According to the club’s own light modelling, residents could experience 20-30% less daylight to main living areas, which is simply not reasonable for a residential setting.

“When we purchased our home in 2012, the club were in League One, did not own the ground, and were selling off nearby land – there was no suggestion that such large-scale development would ever be proposed in this location.”

Clare Murgatroyd, also of Middleton Gardens, similarly expressed her concerns of her property being geographically closest to the new extended stand.

She said: “Further enlargement of the stand closest to my home would significantly increase noise, light pollution, traffic, and loss of privacy, all of which would have a detrimental effect on my living environment and property value.

“There are other stands within the stadium complex that do not border residential areas and could be expanded more appropriately without causing such disruption.”

After the final conclusion of the consultation period, the application will be put before a committee and a decision on the club’s investment.