Plans for a 3,000-seater stand at a Welsh Premier League ground are set for approval – despite more than 60 objections.

The New Saints want to build the stand at its Park Hall ground on the outskirts of Oswestry, so it can host European football. Previously the club, which has qualified for next season’s Europa League, had to play its European home games at other clubs.

This was because its ground did not meet the required standard to host European games.

However, the football club’s plan to install the extra seating has brought a wave of protest from local residents.

Members of Shropshire Council were due to meet in Oswestry this afternoon to decide whether to allow the expansion at the venue.

A total of 61 letters of objection have been received.

Residents say the location is unsuitable for the size of the operation and they fear an increase in unsociable behaviour and noise and disturbance from crowds, traffic and the public address system.

They are also worried about increased light pollution if extra lighting is needed for televised games.

In a report to the council’s planning committee, council officers say a sports ground has been on the site since Park hall was an army camp.

The report says highways experts consider traffic can be satisfactorily managed and mitigated.

“There is clearly the potential for occasional increased noise from important games or functions, but the proposed seating would help to contain noise and make the current situation no worse,” it says.

“Events other than sporting events would need to be licensed with the potential for noise nuisance a consideration.”

The report says there is no proposal to alter or increase current lighting.

Councillors are being recommended to approve the application, subject to the implementation of a green travel plan which would cut down the number of cars going to the football ground.

The club is investigating setting up a park and ride from Oswestry to the Park Hall site.

The club could also be asked to make a financial contribution to highway improvements in the area.