Peter Adams, the council's cabinet portfolio holder for leisure, said: "While the council broadly accepted the principle of the proposal, its support was subject to the football club being able to achieve a number of conditions, including planning permission." Meanwhile, Chester City Football Club (CCFC) has survived a threat of expulsion from the Blue Square Premier after the club committed to settle its outstanding debts with a number of creditors.

A spokesperson for the Football Conference, which is the administrator of the Blue Square Premier, said: "As part of a commitment made by Chester City FC towards settling these matters, Chester City FC agreed to make up any potential shortfall between the funding due and football creditors. "The club has, therefore, lodged a payment of £36,600 with the Football Conference. Upon clearance of such payment and release of that funding, the threat of expulsion from membership will be withdrawn."

Hinckley United Football Club (HUFC) of the Blue Square North competition has been handed a reprieve by the High Court in its battle against a winding up order brought by HM Revenue and Customs over an unpaid tax bill. The club has now been given until 27 January 2010 to settle its tax debts, although chair Kevin Downes said he expects HUFC to raise the money within 14 days.

Elsewhere, Kings Lynn Football Club (KLFC), which competes in the Unibond League Premier Division, has launched an appeal against the High Court's decision to wind the club up. However, its scheduled fixture against North Ferriby United Football Club on 4 December has been postponed. The future of Weymouth Football Club (WFC), however, appears to have been secured after George Rolls completed the acquisition of the Blue Square South club, which had been subject to speculation amid reports of financial difficulties.