POOLE Town Football Club has been granted permission to stay at its current stadium for another three years.

The Borough of Poole planning committee agreed to extend the lease at the Tatnam ground - which has been the club's home for 16 years.

The plans also included alterations to the site, which included refurbishing the tea room, toilet block, changing rooms and boardroom, as well as alterations to floodlights and turnstiles.

The South Stand will also be moved "20 yards up the pitch" to sit next to the Main Stand.

The reason behind the alterations is that Poole’s ground must meet the Football Association’s B grade by March 31, 2017 having been promoted to National South at the end of last season.

At a meeting on Thursday councillors were told the time-limit on the lease was so the council could review the "largely unresolved parking issues" near the ground.

According to ward councillor Peter Adams, residents who live nearby the ground have complained about cars being parked across driveways, cars being moved late at night , noise levels and people urinating and using foul language outside their homes.

In July this year it was confirmed talks over a return to the club’s spiritual home Poole Stadium had broken down.

Speaking at the meeting, Dolphins vice-chairman Chris Reeves said the club would "continue to endeavour to find a different site" but needed to ensure their current ground met all the FA's standards.

He also questioned the parking issues stating that "the club seldom attracted around 500 spectators at a game".

During the meeting there were also issues raised by a representative from Oakdale Junior School, as the Dolphins ground is located at the west end of the playing fields associated with the school.

He explained that because of Poole Town's use of the ground the school is unable to make full use of its playing fields.

"Of course we want the football club to thrive but it can't be at the expense of the 700 plus children who attend Oakdale Junior School on a daily basis," he added.

However Cllr Judy Butt said the issues regarding the school's access to the ground was not a matter for the planning committee to consider.

Cllr Les Burden told the committee that he wanted to see Poole Town progress.

"I'm hoping this temporary approval will allow the club the time to find a new ground. We need to make sure Poole Town remains on the map," he added.