Approval set for plan to improve football ground

Plans to enhance the facilities of a Leicester-based football club are poised to receive approval despite several objections from local residents and institutions. GNG FC intends to construct a 100-seat stand along with a covered viewing area at the Riverside Football Ground on Braunstone Lane, its home since 2014.

The proposal will be reviewed by Leicester City Council's planning committee on Wednesday, having already been recommended for approval by council officers. Sixteen formal objections have been submitted, citing concerns over the site's visual impact, potential noise from crowds, and limited parking in nearby streets. Additional worries were raised about the risk of increased flooding in the area.

Part of the plan includes placing four storage containers on the site to safeguard equipment, which has drawn criticism over their appearance. Ellesmere College, a special needs school adjacent to the ground, also lodged an objection, expressing concern that students might leave the school premises and access the new stand, posing safety risks.

In documents submitted to the council, the club stated: "The Riverside Football Ground has been a tremendous success and has provided opportunities for football participation across all ages and backgrounds. The club's growth has created a need for facility upgrades." The improvements are intended to enhance security, accessibility, and bring the ground up to the standard of other clubs in the Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division.

"These minor upgrades are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of this purpose-built sports facility," the club added. The storage containers are temporary, with a planning condition requiring their removal within five years.

Council planners noted that Ellesmere College's safety concerns could be addressed through discussions with the club. They also concluded that the development was unlikely to create significant noise or traffic problems. Overall, the planners determined that the benefits of the proposed improvements outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Author: Caleb Jennings