Gorleston FC set to return home after 40 years
Council officers are recommending a new £4m Church Lane stadium be given the go-ahead next week
Gorleston Football Club could be heading back to their former home more than 40 years after they left.
Officials at Great Yarmouth Borough Council are recommending plans for a new £4m stadium at the town's Recreation Ground be approved when the authority's planning committee meets next Wednesday.
The Church Lane site was home to the Greens for 93 years before they left for Emerald Park in 1982.
What the plans include
The club's proposals feature a full-sized all-weather pitch, floodlights and a clubhouse with changing facilities, a bar and a café.
Two stands which could hold a combined 600 people could also be built, giving the stadium an overall capacity of 1,300 fans.
The club is aiming for its first team to be playing at the new stadium by August 2027.
'Clear improvement'
Council officials say the facilities represent a "clear improvement" on what is already at the Recreation Ground.
They add that while the plans would result in the loss of an area of open grassland, the new stadium would be able to "facilitate youth football in the heart of the community" and support the town's economy by providing new jobs.
"There is a significant benefit in Gorleston Football Club having their home ground in Gorleston," the officials said.
Noise concerns
Neighbours had raised concerns about the noise which could come from the new stadium, with the council admitting it is likely to increase.
But the authority has recommended preventing use of the 3G pitch between 10.15pm and 8am.
An overwhelming majority of local people have backed the plans, with more than 400 letters of support.
Years without a home
Gorleston left Emerald Park in 2022, with the ground now earmarked for houses.
They have since shared grounds with Lowestoft Town and Great Yarmouth Town.