Second stand is approved for football club

But while team dug-outs on the northern side of the ground already have planning approval, some councillors hoped that they might be yet be moved to the opposite touch-line and both they and the stands secured while not in use to prevent disturbance to neighbouring householders.

Cllr Joanne Gadd said people in their gardens had had to put up with youths congregating there, urinating and using foul language - complaints also highlighted in five objections to the latest development proposed by the football club.

Cllr Gadd claimed: “Some of the bad language is coming from the players, and I feel they should be suspended from playing if they are doing this.” Cllr David Vereker also spoke in favour of trying to move the dug-outs further away from nearby homes.

Sussex Police commented that there had been reports of some problems at the recreation ground in general, but the footballers’ application was also supported by two letters which highlighted benefits to be gained from allowing improvements to the club’s amenities.

The new spectator stand replicates the one already located at the southwest end of the pitch and will also be painted green to minimise its visual impact. Facilities are being developed following Little Common Football Club’s promotion to a higher league.