REVISED plans for AFC Bournemouth’s new multi-million pound training ground have been approved.

BCP Council’s planning committee unanimously gave its backing to the club’s proposals for the former Canford Magna Golf Club site when it met on Thursday.

Councillors said the complex would be “a beacon” acknowledging the club’s contribution to the area and its sporting success.

The site was bought by the club for £3.75 million with the intention of developing it into a new training ground for its senior and youth teams.

Planning permission was first granted in January 2018.

But revised proposals were submitted earlier this year combining two detached buildings in the previous scheme into one large centre providing a full-sized indoor pitch and “state-of-the-art” backroom facilities.

Changes were also made to the layout of parking spaces and the groundsman compound.

Club chief executive Neill Blake said the plans were an “important step” for its future and said it was part of the board’s legacy.

But the Purbeck and Poole branch of Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England said it placed “too much pressure” on the environment.

Following a referral from Bearwood and Merley ward councillor Richard Burton, the application was considered by the council’s planning committee on Thursday.

Former Poole councillor Marion Pope said she was concerned that the approach of varying conditions to the original approved scheme could show uncertainty in the club’s intentions.

However, Savills planning agent Karl Cradick, representing the club, said it hoped the facility would be one people living in the area could be proud of.

Councillor Stephen Bartlett, an AFC Bournemouth season ticket holder, said the principle of developing the site had been established by the first application.

“The development introduces a much better building and it’s a betterment of what was approved before,” he said.

His comments were echoed by councillor Ann Stribley who said it would not be visible to the general public and thus not impact on its green belt surroundings.

The committee agreed unanimously to approved the revised scheme, following a recommendation by council planning officer James Gilfillan.

“The scheme has significant social, economic and environmental benefits across a much wider area and the benefits of a high profile and successful football team at the highest level of English football to the conurbation are significant,” he said in a report.

Councillor Tony O’Neill said the new facility was “an acknowledgment of the success of the football club” and would be “a beacon to the area of it’s commitment and support for the area”.