Poole Town’s £2 million stadium plans for Canford Magna are winning widespread support from councillors.

The football club has submitted proposals for a new ground off Magna Road and hopes it will provide the new home it has been striving for.

After their last bid to build on Branksome Rec was thrown out by the council, the Dolphins are desperate to win backing for their Canford plans.

Cllr Neil Sorton, portfolio holder for leisure, said the council wanted to see the club progress.

He said: “We would like to see Poole Town playing at Canford Magna and moving up to a higher league.

“The scheme will be subject to the usual planning scrutiny but I think we should be encouraging the club.”

As well as the new ground, there would be facilities available to the wider community, including an all-weather games pitch, as well as parking for 156 cars.

Cllr David Brown, who represents Merley and Bearwood, said the scheme was proving popular with residents.

He said: “There seems to be enthusiasm for the plans.

“Bearwood suffers from a lack of facilities, particularly for young people.

“So the fact the proposed facilities would be open to the public would be a big benefit to the area.”

The land is currently designated for employment use, which will be the main hurdle to clear when it comes to winning planning permission.

Cllr Phil Eades, one of the most outspoken opponents of the Branksome scheme in his ward, said he was fully behind the new plans.

“It is absolutely right where Branksome was so wrong,” he said. “It will have minimal impact on residents, there will be plenty of parking and no traffic issues.

“It is the perfect location and I would call on the council to get behind this scheme.”

Should Poole Town gain permission for the new stadium, they could play the first game at their new home next season.