FOOTBALL fans in Eden could soon be watching the beautiful game at a brand new stadium if planning permission for the new facility gets the go ahead.

Planners at Eden District Council will shortly consider two applications for a new stadium for Penrith Football Club, which is about to lose its Southend Road ground due to the redevelopment of the town centre.

Two locations are being considered for the new stadium at Frenchfields, Carleton, and the Newton Rigg College campus.

According to EDC planning officer Gwyn Clark, two applications had been submitted but it was likely that only one would be built, depending on the decision of the planning committee. The proposed stadium at Frenchfields would feature improved facilities including a 242 seat grandstand and upgraded changing facilities. There would also be a pitch reserved for Penrith United Football Club.

Cumberland Football Association development officer Paul Devlin said that there was a requirement to replace football pitches in alternative locations whenever they were lost to re-development.

Mr Devlin also said that the new stadium would be a boost to football in Cumbria.

"We are always keen to improve football facilities and, if we get a brand new stadium, it's a real positive for the county," he said.