Consultation on Stadium Plans

AFTER the announcement by the owners of Dumbarton FC that there is to be a further pre-planning consultation about substantially revised plans for the proposed site of a new stadium, the Sonstrust has been in touch to ask for an extension of the time available for this.

Following our representations, we understand that the Club will make a statement on the website tomorrow, and that the development plans will now be available to view not just on Friday 11th November from 11.00am until 7.00pm, but on the matchday against Morton on Saturday 12th November. This will give far more people the chance to see and comment on them.

Even so, the consultation window is shorter than two years ago (when the display was up for two full days plus matchday), and so far the Trust has not been involved in preparation as we were last time. We have written to three people involved in the planning process, and await further responses.

The Trust is continuing to monitor the situation closely, to make use of expert advice, and to engage with fans and other concerned individuals and representatives in the local community.

We will continue to urge transparency, the need for improved communication, and full engagement with supporters and the community in this proposed development.

As we did last time, the Trust will also be a channel for questions and concerns from Dumbarton supporters. We are establishing a working group from the Trust board, and we will again facilitate a post-consultation meeting to which we will be inviting representatives of the Club and the developers.

We will update again as soon as we are able.