AFC Bournemouth have delayed plans to redevelop the South Stand - as negotiations continue to buy the stadium.

The announcement was made just hours after Cherries played the final game of their maiden Premier League season having secured a second season in the top flight. 

The proposed changes would have added more than 3,000 extra seats to Vitality Stadium, which with a current capacity of 11,464 is by some distance the smallest in the Premier League.

A statement released by the club said: "Following a recent meeting of AFC Bournemouth's board of directors, a decision has been made to delay the redevelopment of the South Stand during this close season.

"The decision was made in relation to ongoing negotiations with the club’s landlord to purchase the stadium.

"The club will ensure supporters are updated on any progress made on this matter."

London-based property investors Structadene bought the stadium in 2005 for £3.5million. This deal, which was struck as Cherries were playing in English football’s third tier and struggling financially, saw it immediately leased back to the club.

However the club appears to be in a stronger position to buy the stadium back after maintaining their Premier League status with a 16th place finish.

This achievement is expected to net them around £70million in prize money and guarantees a further year of broadcasting rights revenue, thought to be worth circa £130million-per-season.

The application to expand Vitality Stadium was unveiled during a public exhibition in March, with the application formally submitted to borough planners later the same month.

The proposed redevelopment included plans to demolish the existing temporary stand and replacing it 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 have been built.

Bournemouth council confirmed the planning application has not been withdrawn and remains active.

SEASON TICKETS PRICES FROZEN

Chief executive Neill Blake has confirmed season ticket and matchday ticket prices will be frozen for the 2016/17 Premier League campaign.

There will be no additional season tickets available for the Cherries’ second season in the top flight, but all prices across the board are set to remain unchanged.

This means that the cheapest adult season ticket will remain at £550 and the lowest matchday ticket stays at £32 for a full paying adult.

The only addition to the pricing structure is a new concessionary rate for supporters under the age of 21.

"As a board we are delighted to be able to freeze season ticket and matchday ticket prices for next season," Blake told afcb.co.uk.

"We have a commitment to our supporters to try and keep football affordable and hopefully this shows that they have been at the forefront of our thinking when deciding the pricing for the next campaign.

"We have introduced a new under-21 price in a bid to make football more affordable for young supporters who are not in full time education, another move that we felt was vitally important.

"The board is delighted with the progress made on the pitch this season and is looking forward to a successful second season in the Premier League with the continued loyal support of our fans."