“Significant step” taken as green light given for expansion to Premier League’s smallest stadium

Bournemouth look like they are set to expand the Vitality Stadium after they were granted planning permission by the local council.

The club have been discussing an expansion for some time now, but the news that their proposals have received the green light will be music to the ears of the Bournemouth board and the club's supporters, who have long wanted a bigger stadium.

The approval given by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council means that the club now start work straight away on modernising the Vitality Stadium and improving the matchday experience.

Bournemouth's expansion plans

The plans that have been improved by the council include the installation of a new perimeter fence around the stadium and new turnstiles. There will also be improved pedestrian and cycle routes and improved health and safety in the West Stand.

AFC Bournemouth's enabling works scheme for the expansion of the Vitality Stadium have been approved.

Proposals involve constructing foundations for a new South Stand, alongside a new perimeter fence incorporating turnstiles and a dedicated broadcast compound.#afcb pic.twitter.com/1bZFeWmoXJ

— Back Of The Net 🍒 (@afcbpodcast) January 22, 2026

Once all this work is completed, the belief is that the groundwork will be in place for a new 7,500-seat south stand, which is the ultimate aim of the project alongside the filling in of the corners at the stadium.

The work is set to begin in February and will be completed in August. At that time, the club will take stock and decide how and when they want to push forward with the expansion plans.

The club's Chairman, Bill Foley, said:

“This is an exciting and important moment for the club. Our proposed new stadium reflects not only our ambition on the pitch, but also our commitment to investing in the community. The project will deliver long-term benefits for supporters, local residents, and the wider region beyond the BCP area.”

FGG says: No new stadium for Bournemouth

There was a point when the idea of a new Bournemouth stadium was floated, but the news that planning permission has been granted to improve their current home puts all of those idea to bed for the foreseeable future.