I must stress that all the views here are my own and I have no inside knowledge from either the Council or the BoD.

I did asked about timescales when I took the printed forms to the civic centre but was told that they would get back to me. I will post the info when I hear back from them.

The next Planning Committee Meeting is 20th Jan although I suspect that the application will be discussed at the February meeting as Target Determination Date (the date they plan to make a decision by) is 25 Feb 2011. Either of the above meetings would be within the time frame.

The only issue that I can see is that the land is currently designated as land to be developed for employment. The PTFC complex takes only a small part of the land but is estimated will create 9 part time positions. For a number of reasons I don't see this as being a major problem. Indeed the 3G pitch adds a much needed facility to a borough that has far fewer sports pitches than government guidelines suggest.

There is at least one objector to the plan but there are many more Bearwood residents supporting the plan and as the objector's arguments are all covered in the club's submissions, I don't see a big problem here.

As I understand it an application can be approved without being passed to the Planning Committee if it does not contravene any rule, covenant or existing plan and is substantially unopposed.

I do expect this application to go before the committee as after last year's fiasco, there is the need for the Council to show that everything has been carefully considered and all procedures are followed to the letter.

Just cross your fingers now and await the decision, safe in the knowledge that the BoD is working hard in all areas for the club.