Appeal decision due over stadium

The application was made in 2004 by Trinity Investments Ltd, after local businessman Michel Harper was asked to help AFC Guildford find a new ground.

It was turned down in January 2005 as it was deemed to be inappropriate for the suggested site in Stoke Park.

Mr Harper appealed and a public inquiry was held, with the inspector's decision due in about a month's time.

The reasons for the 8,000-seater sports stadium being refused outline planning permission included its impact on Stoke Park, the "unacceptable levels" of associated crowd and traffic movements, and a doubt as to whether the town actually needed it.

But Mr Harper, a 48-year-old "entrepreneur and problem-solver" who lives in nearby Shamley Green, claimed that providing a home for senior professional football in Guildford was part of the borough council's "cultural and sporting doctrine".

"We don't want this building on that site"
Councillor Andrew Hodges, Guildford Borough Council leader

Combined Counties League side Guildford United, the new guise of AFC Guildford, currently play in a stadium at the Spectrum leisure complex.

Mr Harper said the club was interested in his planning application up until recently.

"It was to my great surprise that I was told Guildford United were not able to come and support the planning inquiry," he said.

But Mr Harper believes the stadium could still be used for football and different sports, as well as "other community activities such as pageants and concerts".

Councillor Andrew Hodges, leader of Guildford council, said Stoke Park was "totally inappropriate".

"We don't want this building on that particular site [because] apart from the loss of the open space there would be traffic problems all over the place, to say nothing of parking difficulties as well."

Mr Hodges added that there was "no contract or formal agreement" for use of the stadium between Mr Harper and Guildford United.

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