Newcastle United have been granted planning permission to proceed with their proposed upgrades to their training ground, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.
The Lowdown: Magpies’ application
Last month, the Magpies submitted proposals to North Tyneside Council about improving their Benton training ground at Darsley Park, to which they moved in 2002 (via The Athletic).
The club admitted that their current facilities are "significantly below the Premier League and perhaps even Championship standards”.
In their long-term vision, Newcastle’s owners remain fully committed to building a new state-of-the-art site, but in the meantime, they want to ensure that the squad have adequate facilities for the season ahead.
The Latest: Waugh’s news
Waugh has now shared the latest news involving Newcastle’s application to improve the club's training ground.
Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “#NUFC have been granted planning permission to proceed with their ambitious training-ground upgrade.
“Still unclear on likely timeline for completion, but positive news. An interim solution as a new training-ground site is found.”
In the accompanying article, it is reported that necessary ground works - which do not require planning permission - are already underway, with the pitches having been resurfaced ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Improvements and the extension to the main training centre can now begin once certain conditions are met, after a decision notice was issued by the council on Tuesday to inform the club that they have permission to proceed.
The Verdict: Great news
Considering the lack of investment made into the club by former owner Mike Ashley, this news will come as a breath of fresh air for Newcastle fans.
Not only are PIF investing in improving the quality of players on the pitch, they are also taking care of matters behind the scenes. This is a sign of a well-run football club, something for which Toon supporters were crying out for a long time under Ashley.
Therefore, with the long-term vision still intact, the interim solution will come as a big bonus for Eddie Howe’s squad, who will be aiming for a top-half finish next season.