A KEY report into Poole Town’s plans for Branksome Rec has backed the football club – but raised questions over the long-term viability of the scheme.

One of the hottest topics surrounding the controversial £1 million proposals, in which the club hope to build a new home ground on the rec, has been the issue of parking and traffic in Branksome.

Poole council’s transport unit believes there is enough parking around the rec to accommodate the moderate level of support currently attracted by the Dolphins.

Its report into the club’s scheme also states an average attendance – around 260 supporters – would be “unlikely to result in significant traffic problems”.

However, the report suggests traffic and parking problems could yet materialise if the Dolphins achieve their ambitions of promotion up the non-league football ladder.

John Stagg, team leader for development control at the council, said: “There is little doubt that on a match day there will be a significant number of cars parked in the surrounding roads.

“But I do not feel there are sound planning arguments to refuse the application on parking and traffic issues.”

But Mr Stagg added: “It is difficult to understand why the club would be investing in this facility, especially if they have aspirations to progress beyond the next league up as there is a massive difference in support levels.”

Dolphins chairman Clive Robbins said the club was looking at “the here and now”.

He said: “For many years to come we will be able to cope admirably at the rec.

“It is not just a question of attendances but also improving the ethos of the area and the club.”

On possible future expansion, Branksome West councillor Phil Eades, a vocal opponent of the plans, said: “This is exactly the fear of Branksome residents – the remaining public open space will inevitably be under serious threat.”

The transportation report will form part of the submission to be considered by the council’s planning committee.

A decision on Poole Town’s application is likely to be made in early December.