Planning approval has been given by Fylde Council for a new stadium and complex for AFC Fylde, which is set for completion early next year.

The new £18m, 6,000 capacity stadium will have 2,000 seats, bar, restaurant, nursery, executive boxes, offices and a function room.

This is a major boost to this ambitious club, which intends to gain promotion into the Football League within 10 years. This stadium will allow the club and programme of community activities to grow.

Also on the site will be the offices of a local firm, an ALDI supermarket, hotel, pub/restaurant, food outlet and petrol station.

AFC Fylde chair, David Haythornthwaite, says: “We are extremely pleased that within a year we will have some excellent facilities in place that will bring the local community together and provide them with a place to enjoy time with friends and family, while supporting their football team.”

Warden Construction is in charge of the development, plans were drawn up by Frank Whittle Partnership.