FOREST GREEN ROVERS has issued an update to supporters after plans to relocate a temporary training facility to its new stadium site were booted out.

The club applied to Stroud District Council earlier this year to install a marquee for indoor training for three years.

But planning officers have rejected the application - branding the structure a 'stark unattractive building that is of poor quality in a prominent sensitive location'.

The proposals are part of the club's plans to move its training ground to the new Eco Park development near junction 13 of the M5.

Planning permission has already been granted for two football pitches at the new training site, which the players will use as of next season as they prepare for their campaign in the National League following their relegation from League Two.

But the marquee plans have been rejected by officers, who also deemed them neither 'imperative' nor 'essential' in the countryside location.

In a message to fans on the club website, new Forest Green CEO Dane Vince (son of Dale), said: "This refusal was really disappointing given the location is adjacent to the M5, we have planning consent for the long-term plans and it was a temporary structure with minimal impact.

"It's hard to predict when our planning issues will be resolved.

"With the 24/25 season fast approaching it means we have had to change our plans and the first team will be now based at The New Lawn.

"They'll be using the facilities onsite and travelling to J13 when needed.

"This brings a range of interesting challenges to the stadium and quite a significant impact to the facilities available, most notably for fans it means we have to close the Gym Bar.

"The first-team need a professional gym and so we're converting Gym Bar back into a usable space for the players to train and work out.

"This means that supporters will no longer be able to use this space on matchdays.

"This decision has not been taken lightly but hopefully everyone will appreciate that providing suitable gym facilities for the first-team is a crucial component in our ability to compete in the league next season.

"There will be two training pitches at J13 that will be ready for use when the first-team return in late June.

"These will provide a significantly improved playing surface for the first-team and will match the new pitch at the stadium."