FC United plans approved

FC United of Manchester's planning application for a £3.5m stadium in Moston was passed by Manchester City Council on Thursday.

The proposals include a 5,000 capacity stadium, community changing facilities and classroom, a function space open for public bookings, two additional community pitches and landscaped public areas.

The football club is advised by Manchester-based planning and design consultancy, SCP. Implementing the travel plan for the new development was the priority now, according to Jim Budd, director of SCP, said: "The car parking and travel plans agreed between the club and council now need to be put into action so that we are ready to respond to the demand for travel by all modes when the stadium opens its doors for the first time.

"Based on our experiences with football clubs elsewhere, I am confident that we can show the residents of Moston that the club will be successful in minimising its impact on the community. This is a great day for the club and the people of Moston and everyone associated with FC United should be very proud of what they have achieved."

Earlier plans for a new stadium in Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath, owned by Manchester City Council, were abandoned when the council withdrew funding.