As the final whistle blows on the football season the long-running fixture over the future of Branksome Rec could go into extra time.

Poole’s cabinet will on June 2 be asked by portfolio holder Cllr Peter Adams to refer to council on June 9, controversial proposals to site a £1m home for Poole Town Football Club on the popular public open space.

The long-running saga of the club’s plans for a new home that will enable them to climb the promotion ladder caused fierce reactions from the start.

Opposing residents feared noise, traffic problems and the loss of their public open space.

However the club struck back with plans for improved sports facilities for clubs and the community on what amounted to 17 per cent of the ground.

A hard-fought campaign by both sides resulted in a heated public meeting attended by 400 people and a fiercely contested environment overview and scrutiny panel, which heard from both sides. At the meeting the decision went to the wire and chairman Cllr John Rampton used his casting vote in favour of the plans.

“This scheme represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance Branksome Rec and provide improved facilities for the local community,” he said at the time.

The proposals include:

  • refurbishment of the pavilion and a social club
  • new home for the club with a stand for 150 people
  • an enclosed football pitch
  • three all-weather multi-use games areas
  • improved drainage over five years.

Council could still debate the issue and objectors will be able to oppose the proposal, if they so wish, when planning permission is applied for, and a detailed lease has to be drawn up.