Plans submitted for new Video Assistant Referee hub at Flint Town United ground
A proposal to install Video Assistant Referee (VAR) infrastructure at Cae Y Castell in Flint has been submitted to Flintshire County Council.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is seeking planning permission for a small video operations room and related works at the stadium, which is home to Flint Town United FC and currently hosts Connah’s Quay Nomads home fixtures.
A supporting statement by the FAW’s planning agent, Wardell Armstrong LLP, explains: “The Football Association Wales has recognised opportunities to strengthen, improve and build the standard of football and the image associated with Wales’s top football league.”
It adds: “The launch of the Cymru Premier Strategy 2024–2030 has detailed plans to improve the standard of the Cymru Premier League’s club facilities, brands, and awareness, alongside strengthening the Cymru Premier ‘on pitch’ product over a six-year period. The implementation of VAR as part of this plan will allow referees to perform at the highest possible level, providing quality decision-making to benefit players, fans and television audiences.”
The statement continues: “VAR is used globally, currently assisting referees in associated football leagues of over 70 countries to minimise the risk of human error and to enable the referee to make the correct decision using video technology.
“VAR Light will be deployed in the Cymru Premier from season 2025/2026 covering all Cymru Premier matches. VAR Light works on the same principles as VAR – with a Video Assistant Referee but without a replay operator.”
The application proposes a new corrugated metal kiosk to serve as a Video Operations Room, measuring 2.4 metres by 3 metres with a height of 2.5 metres. It would house video review monitors and playback equipment and be located on an area of existing hard standing along the north-western perimeter of the stadium.
Temporary cameras would also be positioned along the south-eastern pitch side during Cymru Premier fixtures. These would be mounted on the stadium’s perimeter fencing near each penalty box and removed when not in use.
As part of its green infrastructure commitments, the FAW has proposed adding two insect hotel towers to the kiosk exterior and installing a raised “beepot” planter to encourage solitary bees.
Wardell Armstrong states that the works will take place on existing hard standing, avoiding any impact on ecological or conservation areas.
Flintshire County Council will now review the application before making a decision in early January.
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