St James Park development gets go-ahead

Exeter City Football Club has conirmed that the Secretary of State has given the go-ahead to the St James Park Development.

Plans to replace the ageing Stagecoach Family Stand had been put on hold while the club waited to hear the outcome of a request for the development plans to be called-in from the St James Forum.

However, the Secretary of State has decided not to call-in the plans after the club was granted planning permission by Exeter City Council earlier this year.

Exeter City chairman Julian Tagg said: "We are delighted that the Secretary of State has decided not to call-in the development plan.

"The St James Park Development is crucial for the future of the football club, and will not only bring our home into the twenty-first century, but also provide a facility that the City of Exeter can be proud of. It has been a long wait, but we are pleased with the outcome.

“As a result of the request, there has been a considerable delay, but the development team will be regrouping on Monday to work out a programme for the project.

"We respect the concerns of the St. James Forum. We have always maintained an excellent relationship with them, and will continue to work alongside them going forward in looking out for the best interests of both Exeter City Football Club and the surrounding area."