It is hoped, if the application is permitted, it will help springboard Chichester City United Football Club to promotion back at the ground they feel is their real home.

The application includes a club pavilion and other facilities to replace the ones already there, which need upgrading.

First-team manager Adie Girdler is confident it can help the club both on and off the pitch. He said: "We have had eight years where the team has been amalgamated – and as far as managing has been concerned, every year the council has promised us that the next year it will be done.

"So from a playing point of view, it will really bring a fresh look to everything because the players are now being promised it. Some of the players, like captain Alex Ward, have heard it all before.

"If we move, we can get the club back on a level playing field and the team can be capable of winning the league again.

"If we can put a good run together I think we will get more people watching us because of where the ground situated and because of the general interest there is in the club now."

Club chairman John Hutter said: "It will hopefully move the club forward, which is what we have been working on for the past eight years."

To comment on the plans, write to Chichester District Council, quoting the application number 08/01007/FUL.