Stoke City have started consulting with nearby residents as they unveil plans for a major upgrade to their Clayton Wood training ground.

The club has outgrown its current facility, which is shared by men's team, women's teams and the academy, and has ambitions for a new state-of-the-art building just for the first team.

The new structure would be located on a small section of grass at the Trent Vale base which is currently used by some players to warm up. It would be spread over two storeys and be Premier League-ready, with gym, sauna and hydrotherapy room, while the existing building, which was built in 2009, would be used by junior and women's sides.

The plan would mean more space for the dozens of players associated with the club. At the moment, staff have to oversee a one-in, one-out rule for the gym, for example, with the first team getting access in the morning followed by the academy, then women's teams.

A consultation was held last night with residents to address any concerns (LDRS).

Vice-chairman Richard Smith and officials held a consultation with residents last night to address any concerns, including an increase in traffic and noise during a construction period expected to last about 12 months, as well as the potential for vehicles blocking the road.

Access to the training ground is only possible via Riverside Road, a residential road off the A34.

The club is also submitting an application for a first-floor extension to the existing facility, which would be used as a parents' lounge. This is needed for the club to maintain its status as a Category One academy, the highest grade possible, which the club say is needed to attract elite young players.

Clayton resident Roy Marsh said: "I haven't seen all the plans but I think it's interesting and it sounds like they need it. One thing I am concerned about is the traffic along here, it can be bad here as it is now and this could make it a lot worse, especially with the school traffic."

It is hoped that a planning application will be submitted to Newcastle Borough Council next month which will take into account the feedback from the public consultation.

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