PLANS to increase AFC Bournemouth’s stadium capacity by more than 3,000 seats have been formally submitted to the council.

The Premier League club initially unveiled the proposal at a public exhibition last month, and the full details are now in the hands of the borough’s planning officials for consideration.

If approved, Vitality Stadium’s capacity will rise from 11,464 to 14,529.

The existing temporary stand would be demolished and replaced with a new one able to accommodate 4,559 fans.

Two smaller stands in the south-west and south-east corners of the stadium, each comprising 428 seats, would also be built.

A design and access statement submitted by developers Tanner & Tilly said the proposal has been carefully designed to ensure the area’s character is preserved.

“The increase in the capacity of the stadium will not result in significantly adverse traffic, parking or highways impacts,” the statement added.

The plan comes as Cherries, who won promotion to the top flight last season, stand in 13th place in the Premier League and are 11 points clear of the relegation zone with six games to play.

You can see the planning application and comment on it here