PLANNING chief Stuart McNidder is one of the key figures overseeing Worcester City Football Club's plans to develop a new stadium.

If the bid for a new ground and B&Q store is accepted in principle, the city council's director of technical services will be responsible for collecting the necessary data and logistics for councillors to evaluate the plan.

In an interview with the Evening News, he outlined the stages the proposal must go through and, if it was accepted in principle, the long process of research and development needed for the Blue and Whites to succeed.

"The informal planning application would have to be held in four different committees, each one covering various areas of expertise," he said.

"These include, firstly, the planning commission, then the policy review committee, the executive board and, finally, the full council meeting. At each level, councillors will have a chance to vote and officers will be able to make recommendations."

If the bid fails, the team representing Worcester City feels it will be the end of the relocation battle.

But even if the scheme is supported in principle, the group feels it is fighting an uphill battle to secure the club's future.

"B&Q and the additional parties will have to submit their planning applications to the planning committee because the enabling development is not recognised on the Local Plan," said Mr McNidder.

"It means the highway authority, the landowners at the Nunnery Way site, the parishes and members of any green groups are just some of those who need to be consulted. They may want to make recommendations."

He confirmed the council had always been supportive of the ground development, registering the stadium on the Local Plan and allocating St George's Lane for houses in the future.

The sticking point in the past has always been the enabling development. B&Q and an additional store are the suggested financial backers for this last bid.

Road infrastructure, additional traffic and Government guidelines are some of the considerations for the plan, which could ultimately reach the Home Secretary.

"My main role in the bids development is to give technical information to the council," said Mr McNidder.

He said he would be taking a neutral stance on the vote but, if it was accepted in principle, would be happy to give advice on the planning application.

A planning meeting is being held this Thursday, November 1.