Tuesday 16th September 2014
FOLLOWING recent representations to the West Dunbartonshire Council Local Development Plan, Dumbarton Football Club continue to develop plans for their relocation from the existing stadium at Castle Road.
As part of this DFC have kick started the next stage in the planning process by submitting Proposal of Application Notices to West Dunbartonshire Council today, which will be followed by community consultation before the planning applications are lodged in January 2015.
The proposals make provision for the relocation of DFC from their existing Castle Road site, to a new location at Young’s Farm to the west of Dumbarton (bounded by the River Leven to east, A82 to north and railway line to west).
The Club’s plans for a new stadium comprise:
• 4,000 capacity football stadium comprising 3,000 seats and 1,000 terracing that can be delivered in separate phases;
• Related hospitality accommodation and complementary non-football related uses (for example, gym/leisure facilities, hotel, conferencing facilities, restaurant, shop and offices);
• Dedicated training facilities and additional playing pitches for community use; and
• Car and coach parking
Land restrictions and the proximity of residential development, mean that these requirements cannot be accommodated at the existing stadium.
A spokesman for DFC said: ”The Club has been looking for a new site for a stadium for over 5 years and we are excited to now progress plans for a new sporting facility that can put DFC at the heart of the local community.
“Consultations have been had with our Supporters’ Trust, and our forthcoming public exhibition will allow supporters and local residents to view and comment on our proposals.”
The relocation of Dumbarton Football Club presents a unique opportunity to create firm foundations for a successful football club in Dumbarton, together with the provision of high quality community sports facilities.
This will be achieved by not only providing the physical playing pitch infrastructure, but also by making best use of the new club facilities and expertise through the creation of a centre excellence for sport, health and well-being. The development of a new community football stadium at Young’s Farm, together with additional playing pitches, will contribute significantly to improving the availability, accessibility and quality of sporting facilities in West Dunbartonshire, influencing participation in sport and helping to improve the health and well-being of local residents.
A public exhibition of the proposals will be held at DFC on 6th and 7th November, with details to be publicised widely in advance.
Further updates will also be provided on the DFC website.