A residents’ group which previously opposed Fulham FC’s move back to Craven Cottage has broadly welcomed plans to return to its traditional home.

The Fulham Alliance group objected to the ambitious redevelopment plan of Craven Cottage, which was subsequently shelved due to the expense involved.

The club now hopes to move back there for the next three years while its long-term future is sorted out, with a move to the Dairy Crest site in White City still a possibility.

Bill Adlard of Doneraile Street, Fulham, who is chairman of the Fulham Alliance group, said: "We don’t object to the idea of Fulham coming back to Craven Cottage but we do have reservations about three particular details."

The first concern is for Ranelagh Sailing Club, which is based by the river behind the ground. Mr Adlard fears the construction of the hospitality towers could block the wind, preventing sailors from going against the tide of the river.

"If the new design stops people from sailing on the river that would be quite wrong," he said.

The group also fears that the standard of the building work on the redeveloped stadium may be unsightly.

"We’re underwhelmed by the plans, particularly for the Putney End stand. It’s going to look like a bloody great shed and we would like to see some improvements," he added.

"Thirdly, we want to know what would happen if Fulham were to get planning permission for a new site and left Craven Cottage for good. What would happen to Bishops Park and the stadium?"

He claimed the group was fiercely opposed to any attempts by the club to put on larger events, such as concerts, at the ground.

The Alliance, which launched a series of legal challenges against the original stadium redevelopment, will be putting it representations to Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which will carry out a consultation on the planning application.

A final decision is to be made in December.

Tom Greatrex, of the Back to the Cottage campaign, does not think Fulham Alliance has any justification to oppose the new application.

He said: "I don’t think they have any reasons to object to the move back as the stadium is basically going to be the same with a few additions bringing the ground into line with the Taylor report. I hope they will be welcoming Fulham FC back to Craven Cottage in 2004."