PLANS to build a supermarket at Portsmouth FC have taken a step forward - with the submission of the planning application which will eventually lead to the club's ground being improved.

Tesco want to open a the superstore on land to adjacent to Fratton Park in the heart of Portsmouth.

Plans for the scheme were submitted to the city council today.

Pompey, who are are currently just four places above the relegation spots which could see them plummet out of the Football League completely, hope the plan will hope them "secure their long term success at Fratton Park".

Point Estates, the company behind the scheme, is owned by Stuart Robinson, who has been working closely with the club for more than 12 months as its property partner.

He said: "These plans are a win-win for everyone. The football club will be able to improve Fratton Park and its surroundings, which is a key benefit of what we are doing and the local community will benefit from having increased choice and competition for their weekly shop."

In addition, around 300 jobs will be provided at Tesco and the brownfield site will undergo much welcomed urban regeneration, including environmental enhancements and improved pedestrian and cycle routes.

Ashley Brown, a Director at Portsmouth FC and Chairman of the Pompey Supporters' Trust, has led the club side in the negotiations.

He backs the plans: "The club is supportive of this application. We are very pleased with the agreement we have reached with the developer and over time the club, and in particular Fratton Park, will experience a real benefit.

"All Pompey fans know the importance of this development for the regeneration of not only the club but also the community as a whole and I hope they join us in supporting it," he said.

The application is now to be considered by the City Council. If approved, work on improvements to the land behind the North Stand could begin during the summer of 2014, with the store scheduled to open in 2015.