Ascot United submit plans for new 50-seater stand to meet FA ground rules

Ascot United Football Club has submitted a planning application to build a new 50-seater stand to meet the FA’s ground grading requirements.

The Yellows need to introduce additional facilities at their Racecourse ground, off Winkfield Road, by March 31 to comply with FA rules following the team’s promotion to the Isthmian South Central division.

United scooped the Combined Counties League title in 2023 and are now competing in Step 4 of the non-league football pyramid.

The club has submitted a letter to Windsor and Maidenhead council warning it could face penalties from the Football Association if the works are not completed by the end of March.

The grandstand proposal is for a covered 50-seat stand approximately 3.7 meters tall at its highest point and encompassing a total area of 7.2 metres by 4.2 metres.  

There are also plans for a two-entry turnstile to replace the existing entry kiosk for supporters at the ground.

A cover letter submitted by the club to Windsor and Maidenhead council said: “The temporary structures we need to install are at the behest of the Football Association and relate to the men’s team now playing at a higher standard which has additional requirements in terms of facilities.

“The process to get this far has been arduous but I do hope that with the supportive pre-application document it will be possible for permission to be granted in time to allow us to start the works and have everything ready by the end of March.”

The full plans are available via the RBWM planning portal under the reference: 23/03116/FULL