CHIPPENHAM Town's dream of playing at a venue fit for the Football League has moved a step closer after a formal planning application for a new stadium was submitted to the council.

After months of deliberation, officials at the Dr Martens League Premier Division club have drawn up a proposal for a purpose built facility adjacent to the town's London Road.

The new stadium would support Nationwide Conference football with the potential to be upgraded to Football League standards if required.

The proposed site would house 6,000 spectators with seating for 1,000 and covered terracing for a further 1,000 as well as a floodlit training pitch and an indoor five-a-side facility.

Other features include a 300-capacity car park, clubhouse, club shop and a gymnasium.

The football club are also seeking permission to build a hotel on the site as an additional source of income.

The proposal was sent to North Wiltshire District Council's planning office yesterday and Chippenham officials now await the thumbs-up before work can commence on the multi-million pound project.

While Chippenham have risen rapidly through the non-league ranks, their existing Hardenhuish Park ground has struggled to keep up with the pace.

The outdated site had its capacity reduced to 2,500 last August after a perimeter wall collapsed on a visiting Bath City player.

The Bluebirds have also suffered from chronic pitch problems and floodlight failure at a ground which cannot facilitate a higher standard than the Dr Martens Premier Division which the club currently occupy.