Farnham Town have been given permission to start work on redeveloping their home at The Memorial Ground.

Planners at Waverley Borough Council have given the go-ahead for a new covered stand for spectators, a toilet block and an extension to the clubhouse and committee room.

It is hoped work will get under way by October.

Commercial director Ed Kelsing said: “Nick Morgan and I on the committee have been working on getting planning for a number of ground improvements.

“The improvements are the biggest development the club have made from a facility perspective in decades. This is massive for the club.

“The improvements are to ensure the matchday experience is more enjoyable for the fans, and that a matchday is more accessible for everyone.

“With these improvements, our ground would be eligible to play at a higher level if the club were promoted.

“We have permission for the construction of a new all-seater stand and player tunnel, a pitchside toilet facility, refurb of the existing toilets in the clubhouse and an extension of the committee room.

“The club currently don’t have disabled toilets, so this will address that.

“Last season we had about 250 people a game – and this season we had more than 600 people for the first game, so there is a clear demand for more seating within the ground.

“Another element of the improvements is that we will replace the existing pitch side fencing.

“We’re hoping to start the work in the first two weeks of October.

“We will be working with the Football Foundation and fundraising as a club for the work and we anticipate the project will cost between £120,000 and £150,000.

“The changes will start from October and go all the way through into summer next year. We’re now trying to work out what we can and can’t do while the season is progressing.

“I would like to thank Waverley Borough Council, Farnham Town Council and all the local residents for their support.

“All the letters sent in for this application were letters of support.

“There were no objections, which shows the relationship we have with the local residents.

“We set up a Crowdfunding page during the pandemic and raised £18,000 on that – which meant we were able to refurb the clubhouse and improve the garden.

“Commercially the impact of that on the club has been massive.

“If anyone is interested in being a commercial partner of the club, please email [email protected]