Not everyone is a fan of City Ground expansion

RESIDENTS FEAR PARKING AND TRAFFIC WILL ONLY GET WORSE AS STADIUM IS REDEVELOPED TO HOLD THOUSANDS MORE SUPPORTERS

- By JOEL MOORE

AFTER years in the works, Nottingham Forest's long-awaited plans to expand its City Ground home were approved at a council meeting a few weeks ago.

The decision was warmly welcomed by most of the Premier League club's fans, with the new season kicking off at home tomorrow but not everyone is happy.

Councillors and residents in the surrounding area of the stadium have pointed out two problems that will become “significantly worse” parking and traffic.

Once all conditions have been met, Forest can start progressing plans to demolish and rebuild the Peter Taylor Stand in a move that will increase capacity by 5,000.

The Reds have also been given initial approval on plans for a block of up to 170 apartments next to the rebuilt stand, though this is subject to approval of other details they will have to provide to the council in the future.

Crucially, the current 171 parking spaces at the front of the stand would be reduced to just 35, a net loss of 136 car parking spaces, under the redevelopment plan.

This fact, along with thousands more fans attending the games, means existing issues with parking and traffic on surrounding areas, such as West Bridgford, Lady Bay and The Meadows, will only become worse.

Forest's transport assessment concludes that all its development work, coupled with the loss of car parking, will create demand for an additional 1,416 spaces. The club say that for “major events, attendees are typically willing to walk longer distances”.

Suggestions put forward by the club

The club is also considering measures including a map of walking routes and public transport modes being printed on the back of tickets. The club also says it will consider temporary road closures at the end of matches to ensure pedestrian safety, particularly on Lady Bay Bridge. Forest is also considering schemes for staff including bus taster tickets and car club schemes.