MAJOR improvements to facilities at a town football ground have been backed by council planners.

The proposals will see the car park at Malvern Town FC’s Langland Stadium completely refurbished alongside a new overflow car park and other much-needed improvements including new fencing and gates, cycle parking, paths and a new canopy with solar panels.

The plan for the ground off Langland Avenue in Malvern was unanimously approved by Malvern Hills District Council’s northern planning committee at a meeting last Wednesday (May 18).

Cllr Caroline Bovey, who represents the town’s Pickersleigh ward, said: “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how much the football club does for the community.

“They have made many improvements and it’s just so much better than it was when I first came to live here.

“[The car park] is atrocious, let’s face it, and this is going to make such a difference. It’s going to tidy everything up and make the area better and improve disabled access.”

Cllr Paul Bennett, who also represents the Pickersleigh ward, said he was delighted to support the improvements which would give the Hillsiders some “proper facilities.”

The new car park is one of the final parts of a multi-million-pound regeneration of the football ground which has included a new 3G pitch, changing rooms and floodlight improvements.

MHDC planners had recommended the application was approved ahead of the meeting.

“It is considered that the refurbishment of the existing car park will be an enhancement to the area,” a planning report by officers said.

“The proposed fencing would match the existing fencing and would therefore not be considered an incongruous feature.

“The introduction of the canopy with the solar array along the north footpath is welcomed, it is noted that the proposed greenery ensures the canopy is well integrated within the wider setting.

“The proposed overflow carpark will accommodate 33 parking spaces and will be constructed of gravel. The boundary of the overflow car park will be bound with hedging along the south of the site.

“The design of the car park is not considered to be inappropriate for its use.”