Non-league football team Boston United’s £100m mixed-use project, which includes a new 5,000-seat community stadium, has gained initial approval from the local council.

The scheme, which has already received £5m from the government’s Growth Deal, will include an all-weather 3G pitch for community use, plus educational facilities, conference and banqueting facilities.

There will also be a café, education and community facilities, meeting rooms for hire, an all-weather sports pitch and a sports hall.

The club submitted a planning application in May for the Quadrant development, which will also feature more than 500 new homes, as well as retail space and restaurants.

“The planning committee overwhelmingly supported the application, which I believe is not only significant for the future of our fantastic football club, but also for the town as a whole," said Boston United chair David Newton in a statement.

“This is major step forward, but we must not get carried away, as there are many things that need to fall into place before The Quadrant and the new community stadium become a reality.

"I must put on record my thanks to all those that supported the project. It is unusual to have the vast majority of comments in favour of a planning application. The Boston United Supporters Association stepped up to the plate and I sincerely thank them for the support."

Boston United hopes the stadium development will be completed in time to move from its current ground for the start of the 2017/18 football season.