AMBITIOUS Kelty Hearts are set to further improve supporter facilities after having bold plans to erect a seated stand approved by Fife Council.

The East of Scotland League club submitted proposals to create a covered stand – with a capacity of 350 – on the west side of their New Central Park ground and have said being given the go-ahead is "good news".

They hope to begin work when their season ends in May and have the structure in place by July of next year, when they will be hoping to prepare for the new Lowland League season.

In February, Kelty unveiled plans to replace the existing enclosure on the 'school side' of the Bath Street ground, which they estimated would have a cost of around £70,000.

To help raise the necessary cash, they launched a £500 'seat for life' initiative and raised almost £25,000 "serious notes of interest" after just two days.

The plans were lodged in June and council planners recommended they be approved, with their report stating: "The proposed spectator stand would provide an additional facility for spectators to enjoy the football clubs growing status as a successful junior football club.

"Furthermore, the proposals would not have a detrimental impact on the character of the area and, within the grounds of Kelty Hearts Football Club, is wholly respective to its immediate surroundings; would not create any road safety concerns; and would not have a detrimental impact on residential amenity."

A statement from the club added: "We are confident of announcing a sponsor partner next week for the stand, which will give our seat for life fund a five-figure boost.

"We are collecting quotes from specialised ground improvement companies at the moment and will have everything ready to go for starting May 18, with a completion by July 18."

After winning the East Region Super League title for the second time in three years, Kelty confirmed in June that they were leaving the juniors to join the East of Scotland League.

The club had been working towards attaining a full Scottish Football Association licence – which gives direct entry into the Scottish Cup and should be rubber-stamped next month – but could only achieve it by joining the senior league pyramid.

Kelty currently top the East of Scotland League and, if they gain promotion, would play in the Lowland League, which provides the opportunity to progress into the SPFL.

New Central Park's current capacity is 3,000, with the covered enclosure earmarked to make way for the new stand housing 250 spectators.