The club has kick started the next stage in the planning process by submitting Proposal of Application Notices to West Dunbartonshire Council, which will be followed by community consultation before the planning applications are lodged in January 2015.

The proposals make provision for the relocation of DFC from their existing Castle Road site, to a new location at Young’s Farm to the west of Dumbarton (bounded by the River Leven to east, A82 to north and railway line to west).

The club’s plan for a new stadium comprises 3,000 seats and 1,000 terracing that can be delivered in separate phases and related hospitality accommodation and complementary non-football related uses (for example, gym/leisure facilities, hotel, conferencing facilities, restaurant, shop and offices).

It will also include dedicated training facilities and additional playing pitches for community use and car and coach parking.

Land restrictions and the proximity of residential development, mean that these requirements cannot be accommodated at the existing stadium.

A spokesman for DFC said: “The Club has been looking for a new site for a stadium for over 5 years and we are excited to now progress plans for a new sporting facility that can put DFC at the heart of the local community.

“Consultations have been had with our Supporters’ Trust, and our forthcoming public exhibition will allow supporters and local residents to view and comment on our proposals.”

A public exhibition of the proposals will be held at DFC on 6th and 7th November, with details to be publicised widely in advance.