Fulham FC’s plans to use the old BBC sports ground at Motspur Park as a satellite training ground have taken a big step forward.

Plans to install pitches and put up temporary buildings have been approved by Kingston Council, allowing them to stay up for five years while the club develops a longer-term strategy for the site.

The buildings will be used for changing, training, welfare and security, and will replace the pavilion building that was demolished in 2016 after an arson attack.

And there will be two full-sized pitches with under-soil heating alongside other training areas.

The club bought the ground, which had been unused for more than ten years, in 2017, promising in a statement to be “respectful owners and excellent neighbours”.

Work is expected to start as soon as possible, to have the pitches ready for training in the 2018/19 season.