Buxton FC Granted Permission for Main Stand Redevelopment

A football club located in Derbyshire has received approval to reconstruct and enhance its primary stand, following the successful submission of a project proposal. Buxton FC had submitted an application to High Peak Borough Council seeking permission to construct a stand capable of holding 1,000 spectators at its Silverlands Stadium, situated in Buxton. According to the club, the proposed new stand, intended to replace the current 500-capacity structure, will not expand the stadium’s total capacity but will provide supporters with the choice of seated accommodation rather than standing. David Hopkins, Chairman of Buxton, commented that the 50-year-old Main Stand is “looking tired” and that the new facility will “prepare the club for future generations and beyond.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that the blueprints for the new Main Stand incorporate a kitchen, changing rooms, a classroom, and a reception area on the ground floor, complete with a staircase leading to the first floor. The upper level is designed to feature an expansive function room and bar, a directors’ lounge, a private box, and restroom amenities. Mr Hopkins stated, “This new stand will consolidate facilities that are currently dotted around the ground and will take up space where people can currently stand up.” He added, “The hospitality, the club shop and canteen facilities will be better and encompassed in this new stand.” Although the proposal was approved, the LDRS indicated that the council had received nine submissions raising objections regarding the development. These concerns pertained to potential increases in traffic, parking difficulties, heightened noise levels, disturbance, and litter. Colin Moss, a resident residing in the adjacent Woodside area, commented: “The existing problems of traffic congestion and of users seeking to park in nearby residential areas is likely to worsen.“ In response, the chairman of the club remarked: “I think what got lost in the planning is the fact we are not increasing the overall capacity of the stadium.” He further explained, “This will not increase the amount of people coming to the games, it will just increase the comfort fans will have at the match.” Mr Hopkins also acknowledged, “I understand the concerns the locals had but I think you get that with most planning applications.” A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council stated: “Subject to strict compliance and pre-commencement conditions, it has been found that the proposed development would not adversely impact public and residential amenity, or highway safety.” Mr Hopkins noted that with his club currently positioned 5th in the sixth tier of English football, the expansion of seating capacity would assist in fulfilling specific stadium criteria for higher divisions, should they achieve promotion. He concluded by saying, “It’s a great time to be at Buxton.” He also mentioned, “The biggest challenge now will be delivering the stand whilst still playing at the stadium during the season.”