Plans to bring Accrington Stanley into “the 21st century” with a 1,500 all-seater Wham Stadium stand have been given the go ahead.
The new Whinney Hill stand, which will replace the existing north stand, has been approved by Hyndburn council’s planning committee.
The ‘modern, attractive, spectator-friendly’ scheme was unanimously approved by councillors at a planning meeting this week.
Hyndburn council received 38 letters of support and two objections from residents on nearby Epping Avenue citing the impact of noise, rubbish generation and overshadowing.
However, club owner Andy Holt said it will be ‘short-term pain’ for neighbours.
He told the meeting: “I know there have been complaints from residents but they are not really as big a problem as is highlighted. I know it’s a pain for a lot of neighbours but it will be short-term pain and then we will be up and running and have an asset for the town.
“We have got to decide if Accrington wants a football club or not and if it does it’s got to be right.
"My big plan is we will have a club that’s here in 50 years, a small community club, not a Manchester United.
"I’m not going to make money out of it but I think Accrington needs a football club.
"I can’t stand it when people say we are sat between Burnley and Blackburn. It drives me mad when people say we can’t compete with them.”
Stanley said the single-tier stand has the potential to be split to accommodate both home and away supporters and is also ‘future-proofed’ with the possibility of adding corporate entertainment boxes.
The stand will include a lift, upgraded toilets, refreshments and mechanise kiosks and 14 wheelchair spaces.
Ground improvement work is ongoing over the summer and includes levelling and reseeding the pitch and renovations to the Jack Barrett Stand and Clayton End.
Simon Prideaux, chief planning officer, said: “It is important that Accrington Stanley has a modern ground that’s suitable for the 21st century and this will be a big step forward in the achievement in that.”
Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “I believe it’s very positive for the borough. It brings something that’s required at the ground, a proper stadium, and hopefully the aspiration is to continue to fully develop the ground so we can be all proud.”
