PLANS to redevelop a football stadium are in limbo.

Colne FC has submitted an application to Pendle Council to request a community asset transfer of the land at Holt House, which it currently leases.

Bosses at the non-league football club want to use the land for a five-phase stadium expansion with increased capacity, the provision of additional parking and improved access off Birtwistle Avenue.

The chairman Ryan Haigh revealed the Evo-stik North club’s ‘vision’ for the future of the football ground in front of a full clubhouse alongside manager Steve Cunningham and senior players Alex Coleman and Si Nangle on Tuesday.

If approved by the council, the final phase of the development would see the ground completed with four stands, giving the club a capacity of 5,000, with an additional 160 spaces to the rear of the ground.

Prior to the meeting council officers recommended elected members offer a 125-year lease, including additional land, to the club to give them security for obtaining extra funding for their stadium expansion plans while also protecting the land for future council interest.

Nearly a dozen representatives and fans of the football club attended Pendle Council’s executive board meeting on Thursday to argue against this, asking that the land is transferred to the club.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Haigh said: “Colne FC as a sports club must have facilities that are appropriate for the club and allow the club to survive. The council’s 125-year lease provides no long-term security to Colne FC.

“I fear the mere existence of the club is in jeopardy if the council doesn’t accept our proposal.”

Colne supporter Ben Metcalfe said the ground was a ‘wreck’ and needed improving if the team get promoted to the next division.

He said: “We just want that opportunity to grow.”

However councillors decided to defer any decision about the club’s plans.

Council leader Mohammed Iqbal called for a cross party meeting between councillors to discuss the future of Colne FC.

Cllr Iqbal said: “I don’t want this to become a political football.”

Cllr Tony Greaves urged elected members to make sure residents in the area are contacted about the proposal. He said: “Not everyone wants a football ground on their doorstep.”