FOOTBALLERS in Nailsea may finally get new changing rooms after a new proposal cleared its first hurdle.

Nailsea United Football Club has drawn up a scheme to build a permanent changing block at Grove Sports Centre to replace the temporary facilities which players currently use and was given landlord’s consent at a Nailsea Town Council meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking after the meeting, club chairman Spencer Lee said: “Obviously we are delighted with the town council’s decision and very grateful for the support we received for our proposal from so many Nailsea people.

“This is a crucial step towards realising our ambition to construct a fantastic sports facility, which will benefit so many Nailsea footballers of all ages and genders.

“The next part of the process will be to submit an application to the local planning authority for the development and we will now be working closely with our appointed architect to achieve this as soon as possible.”

The project is expected to cost �100,000-�150,000 and will provide changing rooms for players and referees as well as storage space. It will be paid for through fundraising and grant applications to charitable and sporting organisations.

The club has a 75-year lease for the land and it has more than 60 years left to run.

Players currently use three temporary cabins non site as changing rooms, which North Somerset Council granted permission for, but recommended should be replaced before 2016.

Mr Lee stressed the application is not a pre-cursor for the club to apply to join the Toolstation League as the proposed building does not meet the league requirements.

He added: “There is a critical need for permanent changing rooms to be provided, to ensure our club retains its current league status and thereby ensures its long term future and the aspirations of its young players.

“It will alleviate the grossly overcrowded changing and showering conditions in The Grove Sports Centre, which fall below the stringent requirements of the Football Association.”