Dream home in the balance

Cray Wanderers campaign to build a new stadium to end their exile is back on course but far from over after the Ryman Premier club submitted a fresh planning application to Bromley Council.

Planners rejected a previous blueprint from London’s oldest football club in September 2012 for a new home but are now examining a revised plan, pictured, for a state-of-the-art 1,200 capacity ground featuring the latest 4G artificial surface at Sandy Lane in St Paul’s Cray.

Wands officials are hoping to generate a groundswell of local support after submitting the fresh application with local elections due. Chairman Gary Hillman has already taken to the airwaves of BBC Radio Kent to promote the redesigned project which has taken into account previous objections by opponents.

Hillman told listeners he hopes to hear Bromley Council’s response early in the New Year after arguing that the designated green belt land the proposed site lies on is in reality long term wasteland.

He believes their new community stadium will bring a raft of benefits and improvements to the area and urged fans to lobby the local authority. Hillman also repeated previous warnings that time is running out and the club faces folding unless an agreement is in place by the end of the current season.

Hillman said: "I would encourage all supporters of Cray Wanderers to get behind these plans. Write to your MP and local Councillors and let them know why you think Bromley Council should approve this revised application. It is no exaggeration to say if these plans aren't approved it is likely the club will fold. So let's make our voices heard and bring this wonderful club home."

To help get the green light from local politicians and planners, Wands say their dream home's capacity has been significantly reduced and there will be no housing, removing what was for some a contentious issue.

Instead, there’ll be a commercial development of six large industrial units to sit alongside the stadium. Wanderers say the new addition will help finance the ground and reduce by half the amount of land required to complete the development.

As expected, the plans comply with Football League standards and meet all FA requirements for a club with Ryman League status. There will be 500 seats undercover, with covered terracing for a further 700 spectators and parking for 150 cars.