ROTARY CLUB: Planners intend rotating the Dean Court by 90 degrees on its existing site.

BOURNEMOUTH'S quest for a new home is moving closer by the day as plans are drawn up for a 14,000 seater stadium on the site of the existing Dean Court ground at the town's King's Park.

"It's one of the most important developments the club have ever sought to achieve," Cherries managing director Peter Aldersey said of the proposed new stadium.

A new ground would generate more money for the Cherries and release them from the pressure to sell their most promising players for short-term financial gain.

The £10.5 million project would involve rotating the existing pitch by 90 degrees, providing an all-seater sta-dium for 14,000 fans.

"It will make the stadium a much more attractive place to come to watch football and engage further in our already extensive community activities," added Mr Aldersey.

Dean Court, built in 1910, would have had to comply with the require-ments of the Taylor Report into ground safety this year. But the club have won an extension because of plans for a new stadium.

"We could spend a large six-figure sum on upgrading the existing stadium in line with the requirements of the Taylor Report," he added. Bournemouth Borough Council will be asked to provide 15 acres of land, mainly consisting of the existing car and lorry park.

The project will also include "enabling development" to help pay for the ground. This could consist of a health club, hotel and restaurant, but the exact details have not been settled.

"It won't be housing, B&Q, Asda, a petrol station, factory or warehouse. What it will be depends upon the mar-ket place," Aldersey says.

The enabling development would be on the site of two car parks between the south stand and King's Park Avenue. Half of this area would be given over to the building, the other half to parking and landscaping.

If the new stadium goes ahead, the club argue there will be benefits for the non-football fan as well.

Manager Mel Machin's Cherries are already heavily involved in community work in areas such as drug rehabilitation, youth unemployment and computer training, and will be able to expand their efforts.

Consultation over the Cherries' pro-posal has so far shown majority support for the scheme but the club have been holding a series of meetings to address local concerns - many of which revolve around the road network in the area.

A planning application has already been submitted and should be considered in June.

The public consultation finishes at the end of May - around the same time the Cherries learn whether they have won National Lottery money via the Football Trust.

If they are successful, the £10 million dream will move a crucial step closer.

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