A football club wants to replace two "inadequate" buildings with a new pavilion to ensure it stays in its league, planning documents say.
Lyndhurst FC, one of the oldest clubs in the country, has drawn up plans to transform the gateway to its Wellands Road ground.
The proposed development will provide new changing rooms and other facilities for the home side and visiting teams.
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A design and access statement that accompanies the application says: "Over the years the buildings have served their purpose, but are now in a very poor state and investment is required to upgrade the facilities to ensure the club can continue to play within the league.
"The existing buildings have no merit in terms of visual appearance, layout, or sustainability. The storage facilities the buildings provide are also sub-standard.
"Care has been taken to ensure the layout complies with design guidance from Sport England whilst paying regard to neighbouring amenities.
"The club are one of the oldest in the country, but now need to improve on their current facilities at Wellands Road to ensure the success of the club moving forward.
"The proposed building will replace an existing worn-out facility with a modern efficient building which will benefit the local community.
"It increases the existing floor area to provide suitable facilities for Lyndhurst Football Club to enable them to remain in the league as without suitable facilities this may not be possible."
The statement says the L-shaped design will reduce the impact of the roof when viewed from the west.
Summing up, it adds: "The new pavilion will replace dilapidated and unattractive buildings on the site with a single building which has been designed to sit within its surroundings using traditional materials.
"The proposals reflect a substantial investment for Lyndhurst Football Club in its facilities. Care and consideration has gone into the layout, siting, and appearance of the pavilion.
"The scheme as a whole will act as an appealing and attractive gateway to the sports pitch."
Describing the pavilion as "simple and elegantly proportioned", the statement says: "It will enhance the visual character of the locality and contribute positively to the appearance of the sports ground and wider area.
"The proposal will fulfil a real and pressing need, in view of the inadequacy of existing facilities, to meet the current requirement for the club."
Lyndhurst FC used to play in the Hampshire Premier League, but a League spokesperson said it was now part of the Southampton League.
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