FGR's latest message after training ground plans refusal

The club applied to Stroud District Council earlier this year to install a marquee for indoor training for three years.

But planning officers have rejected the application - branding the structure a 'stark unattractive building that is of poor quality in a prominent sensitive location'.

In an update sent this week, the club say they are now appealing the decision. 

CEO Dane Vince told the club's website: "It is one of the busiest times of the year for everyone at the club and this season is exceptional with two very large projects for 24/25: The Candriam Training Centre at J13 and the new hybrid pitch at The New Lawn.  

"On the stadium pitch, the contractor has completed most of the key enabling works; excavation, drainage, irrigation, power supply, water pumps, etc.

"And they have built up the different layers to the pitch, with the final top layer installed at the start of July.

"The pitch will have been seeded by the time you’re reading this update, after which it should be six to seven weeks before the surface is ready to host a game.  

The timeline is affected by the weather so we are working with a forecast rather than a guarantee; an ever present factor when dealing with a grass pitch.  

"This will take us to around mid-August and we hope that this will only impact one home game fixture for 24/25.

"We’ve been in constant communication with the League regarding the progress of the works and liaising with them on the 24/25 fixtures; which are released on Wednesday, July 10.  

"The Candriam training centre is ready for the first team and the pitches are looking incredible.

"Nick and the grounds team have done an outstanding job on both pitches, especially given some of the challenges site has given us.  

"In terms of planning permission for the marquee, we’ve appealed the decision from the council and now await the appeals process which will probably take some time."