Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) in Kent has approved plans for the redevelopment of Ebbsfleet United Football Club’s Stonebridge stadium in Northfleet.

The planned £8m project – designed by architects Alexander Sedgley – will see capacity being increased from 4,000 to 6,000 spectators. The works have been designed to “match the clubs future ambitions” with a community-orientated vision.

GBC approved a detailed planning application for a phased demolition of the stadium’s existing stands, ancillary buildings and structures. They will be replaced by a new Stonebridge Road stand and new Plough End, Town End and Swanscombe End stands with associated access and parking. The building has been designed to have a positive impact on its surroundings.

The council’s planning report said the expansion of the ground would allow possible future entry into the Football League and progression through to League One level. The club currently plays in the Conference South – the sixth tier of the English football pyramid.

Work on the first phase of the redevelopment – which includes the main Stonebridge Road stand, new players/officials changing areas and community facilities – is set to begin in May and is expected to be ready in time for the opening of the 2015-16 season in August.

The club’s vice chair, Peter Varney, said: “This is a major step in the future progression of this football club.

“I’d like to thank in particular the design team who have been fantastic and also note the help and support of the council members in the vote tonight.”

• Ebbsfleet United FC made headlines in 2008 when it was taken over by a fan-led online community. Between 2008 and 2013, the club was owned by the web-based venture MyFootballClub, whose members voted on player transfers, budgets and ticket prices among other things.

Around 27,000 MyFootballClub members each paid £35 to provide the £700,000 takeover fund and at its peak there were 32,000 “owners” who had paid towards the operation fund.

Interest waned, however, and by September 2010 there were only 3,500 members.

The club is currently owned by KEH Sports, a group of Kuwaiti investors, which took the club over in 2013.