The confirmation that Melksham Town FC will have its new stadium is the most important day of 138 years of football in the town, its chairman said.

Planning permission was given by Wiltshire Council planners on Tuesday for a 256-seater stadium at Woolmore Farm, to be shared with Melksham Rugby Club.

The football club’s chairman Dave Wiltshire said it was fantastic news for the club and its more than 450 playing members, supporters, parents and committee.

He said: “Many of them have given up hours of their free time over many months to push this project forward.

“It will mean the town can enjoy facilities second to none in Wiltshire, and provide a base for football in Melksham as well as securing the future provision of football and rugby.”

The 1,773 sqm clubhouse will have separate facilities for each club, with seating overlooking a pitch either side; 11 football pitches and four rugby pitches, car parking, a new access road and junction.

One side will be decorated in the yellow and dark grey of the football club and the other to match the rugby team’s light and dark blue kit.

Both clubs will leave their current home in the town centre, to be the new Melks-ham community campus.

Mr Wiltshire said: “While it will be sad to leave The Conigre, which has been the home of Melksham Town since 1926, the facilities were run down and not conducive with running a self-funding football club.”

Melksham Rugby Club vice president Bruce Sanders said: “We are very much looking forward to the build going ahead. Everybody at the club is delighted.”

Construction is expected to start at Woolmore Farm in September.