PLANS to expand the Herefordshire Football Association car park on Widemarsh Common in Hereford have been given the go-ahead.

The HFA supports around 10,000 players and volunteers involved in grass roots football in the county.

And many travel into the city to take part in tournaments held at the HFA County Ground.

But officials say the current parking arrangements lead to bottlenecks and want to expand the car park by around 6,695 sq ft.

HFA chief executive Alan Darfi called on the planning and regulatory committee today (April 7) approve the scheme.

“Our car parking facilities are unfortunately inadequate,” he said.

“These get filled very quickly which can lead to bottlenecks and pinch points as people get dropped off instead of being able to park.

“This can cause localised traffic challenges. Our proposed solution is to extend the car park onto the patch of grass.

“It’s largely hidden away, it’s not currently used, it’s wasted space.

“It will be a free car park which provides spaces for existing users of the facility.

“It is not intended to result in any increase in traffic over and above those who are already visiting.”

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Ward councillor Polly Andrews said cars often park in the surrounding streets and the car parks of the shops in Holmer Road.

“All they are asking for is to increase the car parking on site by using the small grass area on site which is currently unused,” she said.

She called on the committee to approve the plans.

Councillor Sebatian Bowen proposed approving the scheme and this was seconded by coun Elizabeth Foxton.

The committee unanimously approved the proposals with conditions.