AFTER years of searching for a new ground Alvechurch Football Club has been given the go-ahead to build an ambitious new stadium.

The village football team, now playing in the 3rd tier of English non league football, has been searching for alternative accommodation since 2012.

The club is currently playing at Lye Meadow but the lease on the ground ends this year, meaning it needs to find a new home.

In addition, it needs to provide specific facilities to meet the requirements of the Football League.

Now though, planning permission has been granted to reconfigure existing playing fields at the corner of Redhill Road and Redditch Road, West Heath, to provide a new club house and stand, and a floodlit 3G pitch.

There will also be three further grass pitches and one all weather pitch, plus associated car parking and landscaping.

Alvechurch Football Club chairman Richard Thorndike said he was "over the moon" with the news.

"This has been four years in the making," he admitted.

"In that time we've faced a lot of challenges so to finally get here is great.

"It means the club now has a secure future. We will have one base instead of playing in several different venues which will not only save us money but will let us grow."

The plans were approved at a recent Bromsgrove Council planning meeting.

Alvechurch FC will continue to play at Lye Meadow until the new facilities are completed, which could be early next year.