One small step

A STEP closer . . . how the new stadium could look

Latics stadium plan clears land hurdle

OLDHAM Athletic has received an early Christmas present — the news that its controversial new £20 million stadium is step closer.

A bid to halt the first step towards a land-swap deal to allow the 12,000-seater stadium to be built in Failsworth has been beaten off. A definitive ruling by the Charity Commission means that the development, which the cash-strapped club says is vital for its long-term development, has cleared a major hurdle. The council had already received approval from the commission to register a 30-acre site to the north of the Lancaster Club, off Broadway, as a charitable trust. This meant that the open land was saved for local people — but crucially that its charitable status could be transferred to another area of land of equal value.

This decision was made to pave the way for the club to build at the Broadway site despite criticism from some residents and fans.

However, an appeal was made against the commission’s decision by Failsworth Residents’ Action Group (FRAG).

But after considering this, the commission has now written to the council stating: “The commission concluded that the park is held on charitable trusts.”

The commission’s ruling means that it will now consider the application that has already been made by Failsworth Trust Committee — a council sub-committee — to swap the land.

Barry Owen, chairman of the supporters’ group Trust Oldham, said: ‘It is good news, but it is only the first stage of the process. We are currently waiting the decision on whether it is possible for the land to be transferred.”

He said that a new stadium was essential and added: “Boundary Park is dilapidated now and we need a new stadium to make it a seven-day-a-week business. It would allow the modern facilities that are now required of a football club.”

Oldham Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “This is an issue between the charity commission, the applicant and the council, and it would be inappropriate for the club to comment on the matter.”

The Oldham Chronicle revealed Latics’ plans to build a new stadium in Failsworth in July last year. (2009)

Earlier plans to relocate to Ferney Field Farm, Chadderton, were shelved.