MARGATE Football Club's future in the Nationwide Conference is hanging in the balance after councillors rejected plans to expand their stadium.

Thanet Council's planning committee voted seven to six to refer the application to full council next month, with the recommendation it is refused.

The club desperately needs to upgrade its Hartsdown Park stadium to league standard, or face relegation. They have been sharing the Crabble Ground with Dover Athletic this season, but league rules say they can only continue this arrangement for one year.

The application from Margate FC relates to the redevelopment of the stands and club facilities, including the club shop. The proposals would provide a 6,000 capacity stadium, which would fully meet the requirements of the Nationwide Conference.

The application also includes a hotel, with conference and banqueting facilities, a theme bar / restaurant, leisure and fitness centre, casino / bingo hall and additional car and coach parking.

The development site comprises 3.5 hectares of the Club grounds, along with public open space within Hartsdown Park and Tivoli Park.

Amended plans which would lessen the impact on the communal open space at Tivoli Park were put to members of the planning committee this week.

These plans will be debated by full Council when they meet next month, after local people have been given the chance to comment on them.