A MAJOR project to create modern football facilities in Dorchester is set for kick-off after plans received unanimous support from councillors.

A brand new pavilion, with changing facilities, a floodlit, all- weather football pitch and car parking is set to be built at the King's Road playing fields once funding is in place.

The new facilities will allow Dorset League Division One side Dorchester United and many other senior and youth teams to have their own home ground.

Dorchester United are also hoping the new ground will enable them to move up into the Dorset Combination League, a move that has always been denied them because of the lack of a secure pitch.

Thrilled football fans and players are now counting the weeks until a quantity surveyor can come up with the costings for the project and the fundraising can start.

Councillors at a planning meeting of West Dorset District Council have given their officers permission to approve the plans, which were submitted by Dorchester Town Council, as soon as a few small design revisions are carried out at the request of English Nature.

But planning officer Bob Burden says he is confident that architect David Wren can iron those out within a couple of weeks.

And the district council's leisure and tourism manager, Nick Thornley, has pledged his support, saying that the pavilion and pitch are a "long overdue facility for Dorchester".

He added: "This will be excellent for local football teams. For years there has been a shortage of pitches, especially during May and September when the football season clashes with the cricket season.

"I remember when I was 13 years old having to change into my football kit in a little caravan near the King's Road playing fields, and players are still having to change outside houses - which is not ideal.

"We will be as supportive as we possibly can once the project is fully up and running.

"We have money available for this sort of thing and we will try to offer as much financial support as we can.

"I hope it goes ahead as soon as possible."

Dorchester United club secretary Nicky Hillier said: "We have to play our first five games of the season away and find a ground to play at for the last few weeks, and it will be such a relief to have a home ground.

"The pitch will be a great facility for so many teams in the town."