Plans to build a 100-seater stand and a standing area at Buckhurst Hill Football Club’s ground look set for the green light.

The Essex Olympian league side have submitted a planning application to erect a new 100-seat stand, 100 person covered standing area and six floodlighting columns to Epping Forest District Council (EFDC).

The plans for the club’s ground in Roding Lane will go before the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, July 29.

Buckhurst Hill FC’s existing site comprises of three pitches, a pavilion building with changing and ancillary facilities, a recently constructed car park, and training pitches.

Planning documents show council officers have recommended the proposals for approval despite opposition from Buckhurst Hill Parish Council.

The parish council have objected on the grounds of a possible impact on wildlife and infrastructure by increased traffic.

As part of its planning application Buckhurst Hill FC collated 530 comments supporting the scheme from individuals involved with the club.

One commenter said: “This is a fantastic local club for the local community. Both of my children and most of their friends have been at and used their facilities. Would be great to improve it for the youth of the surrounding areas.”

Another said: “I have spent many years with children playing against Buckhurst Hill and it is a role model as to how a club should be run for the entire community with a fantastic youth set-up with an excellent focus on getting girls playing football.”

The club, formed in 1985, is looking to further develop the ground following the installation of perimeter fencing, spectator and vehicle access gates, a pitch barrier and new dugouts in 2019.

The previous developments were funded by a £20,000 grant from the Premier League, delivered by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

With over 400 players, the club now offers teams for children aged as young as three up to Under 16s, girls teams for 10 - 14 years olds and an adult squad.

Over recent years, several former Buckhurst Hill players who have progressed to play professional football include Connor Wood at Bradford City, and Joe Lumley at QPR.

Other standout graduates of the club's academy include Jack Payne at Lincoln City, George Moncur at Luton Town, and Cauley Woodrow at Barnsley.

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.