Avro football stadium greenlit for permanent expansion
Avro FC's Vestacare Stadium in Limeside, Oldham, has received permanent planning permission from Oldham Council to retain four containers and a new seating area, originally granted temporary permission in 2021. The containers serve as changing rooms, storage, and a food kiosk, with an additional 4.2m high canopy proposed for the seating area. Despite some local objections regarding noise and traffic, and concerns about greenbelt implications raised by a councillor, the council approved the expansion, citing no harm to greenbelt openness or playing fields under planning rules.
Avro FC Stadium Expansion Approved Amid Green Belt Concerns
Oldham Council has granted permanent planning permission for Avro FC to retain expanded facilities at their Vestacare Stadium in Limeside, despite objections over green belt encroachment.
The Northern Premier League club’s application—approved on 13 August—covers four shipping containers (used as changing rooms, storage, and a food kiosk) and a 4.2m canopy over an outdoor seating area. Temporary consent for these structures expired after 2021.
While three residents cited noise and traffic worries, planners ruled the development “acceptable in principle” as it “does not harm green belt openness” nor reduce playing-field space. Councillor Dave Murphy warned the decision could set a precedent for “building on the greenbelt”, but officers stressed sporting facilities are permissible under national policy.
Avro argued the containers are “functional” and avoid reliance on food trucks. The canopy aims to shelter fans from weather.
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