MARGATE are beginning to plan for the future after Thanet District Council's cabinet voted unanimously on Wednesday night to approve the Heads of Terms agreement allowing the redevelopment of Hartsdown Park to finally go ahead.

They say the council's decision "triggers a race to the start line" and are sure they will start next season back in Thanet, after ground-sharing with Dover and now Ashford.

Club officials and around 20 fans were at the meeting to hear the decision go in the club's favour after months of speculation about Margate's future, following demotion to Nationwide South.

They estimate it has cost them £200,000 to reach this planning stage, but the cost of just staying in business is surely much higher, with the club's gates at Homelands hovering around the 200 mark.

The new Hartsdown Park complex will include a 5,000 capacity ground, fully complying to Conference standards, an 80 to 100 bed hotel, a medical or veterinary centre, health and fitness suite, themed bar, adventure playground and creche.

It will also feature full Conference and Banqueting Suites, private viewing boxes within the Hotel, several five-a-side pitches, full-sized Astroturf pitch, shop and cafe.

Architects will be immediately working on a detailed planning application, based on the outline permission already in place for the development.

The Council stated that the planning application, project plan and business plan must be lodged within 30 days. The club say the planning application will be lodged within three weeks, and all other documents will follow.

A club official said:" Our development team is committed to meet all of the conditions imposed within the Heads of Terms agreement between now and when the planning decision is agreed.

"This will clear the way for work to start immediately, which will begin with our new stadium. The commercial aspects will continue with completion by the end of next year. A huge thank you goes out to all those who have remained loyal and supportive of the club."

The same can be said of long-serving boss Chris Kinnear. He said: "Being away from Hartsdown Park has not done anybody any favours. I think the situation we have been in would have seen a lot of clubs fold and disappear.

"There is an inner strength within Margate Football Club. I don't know where people get it from, but when we come out at the other end, I am sure it will make us stronger, and appreciate how much we have achieved.

"People ask me why I stayed. It's because I have a vision that in the not too distant future we will have a great opportunity. It won't be just about football at Margate, we will get income from outside sources, and I think that's the direction all clubs are going to have to go."