FANS of Woking FC have cried “foul” at the prospect of a row of townhouses being built on land adjacent to the club’s Laithwaite Community Stadium.

Woking Borough Council has announced it will consult on plans to build townhouses on land it owns on Westfield Avenue.

The deputy leader of the majority Liberal Democrat council, Will Forster, said: “The plans mirror what is across the road in the Willow Reach area. I have spoken to local residents already and they are very supportive of the plans. 

“There have been a lot of comments about this being the first time they have seen something proposed for the area that is in keeping.

“On top of creating a sensible development on this neglected site, this plan will provide vital funds for the council by providing a capital receipt.”

However, fans fear the plans, which involve land presently used by the club for car parking, would hinder any attempts by the club to upgrade its ground.

Cllr Forster added: “This wouldn’t limit the club’s expansion as it’s on council land, rather than on the club site.

“And no decision to develop and sell the land has been made, this is just a consultation.  

“If the consultation goes well, a planning application is submitted and then approved, I think it is likely the council would sell the site to a developer.

“I don’t have a valuation of the land, but I  would not have a problem with Woking Football Club bidding and buying the land. The issue is the club hasn’t done that for years, and the council cannot leave the site empty any longer.”