Scarborough Athletic Fan Zone Approval

Friday, 2 June 2023 12:01

By Anttoni James Numminen, Local Democracy Reporter

Scarborough Athletic’s plans for the creation of a new fan zone at its stadium on Ashburn Road have been approved by North Yorkshire Council.

Scarborough Athletic FC has been granted planning permission for the installation of three modular buildings and a marquee at its stadium to provide new fan zone facilities and office space.

The approval of the scheme comes after the North Yorkshire licensing authority granted the club a premises licence for its Victory Bar at the SAFC fan zone.

A large white marquee with a footprint of 24m by 9m will be located to the south of and in parallel to the southern spectator stand.

A similar marquee is currently occupying the multi-use games area (MUGA) “without the benefit of planning permission”, according to the council.

The siting of three modular buildings of varying dimensions has also been approved, one of which will be used as a fan shop and the other used for storage, while the third unit will contain an office and associated toilets.

Planning documents state that together, the structures will form part of an enclosed fan zone providing facilities for supporters.

The application also gained consent for the erection of new perimeter fencing along the southern, eastern, and a short section of the northern edges of the football ground.

The heightened fencing was requested following concerns raised by the police, council, and other organisations as a result of “unauthorised incursions during matches and at other times”.

However, the fan zone changes have led to the removal of four disabled parking bays which will be relocated further west off the access road with an existing tarmac footpath that would lead from the replacement bays to entrances of the ground.

North Yorkshire Council received 15 representations from members of the public in support of the application, with many stating that the proposals would “benefit the club and town, allow the football club to progress, and benefit it financially by having its own facilities”.

No objections were raised by the Highway Authority, environmental health services, or the North Yorkshire Police designing out crime officer.

The planning authority concluded that “there would be a limited negative visual impact” as a result of the plan.

However, it also noted the case put forward by SAFC, including the community and sporting benefits the club brings to the town, as well as the security and safety considerations raised by relevant bodies.

The plan was approved by North Yorkshire Council on Thursday, June 1.

Scarborough Athletic said:

"Today, Scarborough Athletic received the excellent news that our planning application for the Fan Zone has been approved by North Yorkshire Council.

With the club also being granted a premises licence for The Victory Bar, it means that the project can move forward to the construction phase in the near future.

The project, backed by our bid to the Premier League Development Fund, is also being supported by the outstanding fundraising of supporters group The Valley Bar Seadogs.

The Fan Zone will enhance the matchday experience, as well as an additional revenue stream for the club. The project will provide the opportunity for the club to have its first ‘owned and controlled’ area since formation, with an office, shop, storage and bar."