AFC BOURNEMOUTH have applied for the Ted MacDougall South Stand to remain in place at Vitality Stadium.

The temporary stand was installed in the summer of 2013, following Cherries’ promotion from League One, and a condition of the planning permission required it to be removed and the land restored within five years.

With the five-year deadline approaching, the club have this week applied to Bournemouth Borough Council for a new planning approval.

A decision is expected to be made by April 2018.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told the club's official website: “The South Stand has been an important part of the club’s growth over the last five years.

“Our home fixtures, both in the Premier League and cup competitions, sell out and it is crucial that we keep the South Stand in place, to allow as many supporters as possible to continue watching the team.

“This application has no impact on our intention to build a new stadium within Kings Park.”

A statement submitted to Bournemouth Borough Council says the stand is "durable, presentable and well-maintained".

It adds that there is a continuing need for the South Stand, with Vitality Stadium having the smallest capacity of any Premier League ground.

Only one current Championship club - Burton Albion- has a smaller ground than Cherries.