FC United stadium plans for Moston passed by council

Plans for a 5,000-seater stadium for Manchester United's breakaway club FC United have been passed by councillors.

FC United wants to build the stadium, clubhouse, pitches and car parking at Ronald Johnson playing fields in Moston, Manchester, for 2012-13.

Officers had recommended that councillors approve the application.

The recommendation is subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement, to include community use of the site.

It is also subject to a travel plan being submitted and reviewed, and the provision of off-site parking.

Councillor Paul Murphy, who represents Moston on the city council, said: "If the application is approved, it will bring much needed investment to Moston - close to £4m.

"It will also bring sporting facilities for the young people of Moston and the surrounding areas, which again is much needed and will be developed in a professional way."

The council has received 5,635 letters in support of the application and 2,226 letters objecting to it.

The club, which is owned and run by its members, plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division at Bury's Gigg Lane.

It wants to build the stadium near Newton Heath, Manchester United's first home.

The council gave permission for a stadium at a site on Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath last November.

But, earlier this year, the council advised the club's board it was "no longer a viable option" because of the "challenging" local government budget settlement in December 2010.