Renewed protection for Sixfields Stadium and West Stand Car Park
The Asset of Community Value status has been retained until 2029 - but not for the land behind the East Stand
Northampton Town's Supporters Trust say they hope any future plans will result in a club that's ambitious, progressive and sustainable.
It's as they've secured a renewed Asset of Community Value status for the Sixfields Stadium and the West Stand Car Park - until 2029.
The protection's been lost behind the East Stand though - after the council said the former running track is no longer being used by locals.
The Trust said: "The land behind the East Stand losing protected status means that the running track land - sold to Northampton Town FC by the council last April - could in time be developed in a way which does not benefit the football club or its communities.
"The only challenge to the nature of the development on that land will now be through the council’s planning processes.
"We are reassured that club chairman Kelvin Thomas, speaking on the Cobblers Show last month, said that the club was looking to develop the land themselves."
It comes amid the idea that a warehouse could be built on the land - spanning more than 130,000 square feet.
The Trust added: "It is not clear which party, or parties, are going to benefit from the sale/development of this land, be that through investment in the club or the repayment of debt.
"We hope that any future development plans will result in ongoing investment in the football club, commensurate with an ambitious, progressive and sustainable club keen on securing its League One status and building for better."