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Southend stadium project undergoes revision

Revised plans have been revealed for the Fossetts Farm multi-purpose development, which is anchored by a new 21,000-seat stadium for English League One football club Southend United.

Southend Council has issued letters to 1,155 local residents in the Essex town inviting them to comment on the revised plans ahead of a proposed vote on the final proposal before the end of the year.

Local newspaper the Echo said the latest plans have cut the amount of restaurant space at the site, while increasing the area for leisure facilities by the equivalent of about 10 tennis courts. Along with the stadium, the Fossetts Farm site will also include five residential buildings, a Hilton hotel, shops, restaurants, a cinema and four full sized grass football pitches.

Plans were initially submitted to the council in April 2017, with feedback from a prior consultation leading to the revised proposal submitted by the Powerhaus Consultancy. Club chairman Ron Martin told the Echo: “We recognise the council have a job to do and while the club would like the application considered soon we are in the hands of the council and recognise that and will to work with them.”

Southend has played at its current home, Roots Hall, since the 12,392-capacity stadium opened in 1955. Roots Hall is to be demolished to make way for around 472 new homes, with a planning application set to be submitted on this proposal.

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