AN ambitious football club is seeking to build a new changing rooms, office and guest block to replace a ‘dilapidated’ set-up.

The planning application to Hyndburn Council is the latest stage of League One Accrington Stanley’s multi-million pound redevelopment of its Wham Stadium.

The news follows work starting on the club’s new Jack Barrett HML Recycling Stand including a bar and hospitality suites.

The application seeks approval for the demolition of the changing rooms and construction of an infill building at the stadium in Livingstone Road Accrington.

The complex will consist of new changing room and physio areas, manager’s office and matchday guest lounge, meeting area, turnstile and WCs.

Accrington Stanley’s managing director David Burgess said: “The current changing rooms have been in use since the 1960s, when the club reformed and set up its home at the then Crown Ground.

“They need replacing and, while we have all the equipment on site with the work which is going on, as a club we decided this was the best time to do it.

“We will start work as soon as planning permission is approved, hopefully in the next few weeks.”

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “This is the latest move in the chairman Andy Holt’s determination to provide the best possible facilities at the club. It is to be welcomed.”

Documents submitted with the planning application say: “The site has been the home of Accrington Stanley Football Club since its opening in 1968.

“The application site houses a dilapidated building far beyond its reasonable lifespan.

“It contains the changing rooms and shower facilities.”

The documents say the toilets, showers and medical room are ‘inadequate’ and too small needing special English Football League permission to operate.

They say: “In 2020, planning permission was obtained for the reconstruction of the South Stand which was to contain additional hospitality areas, a supporters bar and enhanced changing room facilities.

“The upheaval of the coronavirus pandemic has led to delays in its construction.

“As a result the applicant has been forced to a rethink.

“The proposed south-east corner development is now intended to house the changing room and physio areas originally intended for the south stand.”