APPROVED plans for a new Wimborne Town Football Club stadium have been hailed as a step in the right direction by officials.

The proposals for the ground at Parmiter Drive are part of a wider scheme for 81 new homes, allotments, teenage activity space and a Site of Alternative Natural Greenspace, or SANG.

East Dorset District Council's planning committee gave the plans the green light in June last year, however the formal sign off from the authority only came through last month.

Magpies are on the cusp of promotion to Southern League Premier Division after beating Didcot in a play-off semi-final on Wednesday evening.

Matty Holmes' side host Swindon Supermarine in the final at their current home ground, Cuthbury, this afternoon.

Club president Ken Stewart said the new stadium is just part of the club's future ambitions.

"It is great news that the stadium development has been signed off," he said.

"The stadium is something we can build on and use it to head in a forward direction.

"It has been a long time waiting for the plans to come together.

"It is all part of the wider plan for the club going forward, but where we end up we never like to say."

Mr Stewart said the club has not yet been given a start date for the development, which is being delivered by Wyatt Homes.

The firm currently are waiting for a decision on plans to build homes at Magpies' Cuthbury base.

The development at Parmiter Drive includes two football pitches, a clubhouse, stands, changing facilities and parking.

"Matty Holmes has got us playing a type of football people love to watch. The fans are enjoying it," Mr Stewart added.

"Hopefully the new stadium can attract bigger sponsorship opportunities and we can also do more event functions.

"We have a great foundation in place with homegrown players and it will be great if this can continue."