Molesey FC’s plans to overhaul its ground to increase capacity and build dozens of flats are dividing opinion.

Proposals put to Elmbridge Council include a new clubhouse, a day nursery, 50 flats and a covered stand with 150 seats.

Of the flats, which have between one and two bedrooms, 26 would be “affordable”.

Mr Winbourne, who lives in the neighbouring Grange Close, said: “We just feel that it’s too big. I understand the need for housing, but there isn’t the space.

“I can’t get a doctor’s appointment in Molesey. How can you build any flats in Molesey without improving access to public services?”

The new clubhouse is also causing concern for neighbours.

Mr Winbourne said: “We live next door to a football club. We’re not stupid. But with the events at this new clubhouse there could be noise far more often than we are used to.

“We are all for the football club. We all want it to survive, but at what cost? Is there not a compromise?”

He also pointed to the club’s average attendance being just 70 per game – less than half of the proposed seating.

A statement on the club’s Twitter claims the development would “help clear the club’s financial burden”, and calls for club supporters to comment on the application.

At the time of writing, there are 65 messages of support on the council website – some from as far away as Folkestone in Kent – and 44 objections, mostly from West Molesey.

One supporter, Mr Smith of Belvedere Gardens in West Molesey, wrote: “A wonderful much-loved community asset secured by the approval of this application. New homes and improved facilities – a great deal for Molesey.”

Surrey Comet has approached Molesey FC for comment.