Soccer bosses at Billericay Town Football Club are celebrating after taking a giant step towards developing a new stadium complex in the heart of Basildon - but not without protest.
Park fury - campaigners against Billericay Town's plan gathered outside the planning meeting. Pictures: MAXINE CLARKE FFCXV11
Councillors agreed in principle last night to a proposed scheme which could see an 8,000- seater ground built on a corner of Gloucester Park.
But campaigners opposed to the plan were involved in an angry face-off with the club and developers, Stadia Management, at a meeting of the council's central area committee in the Basildon Centre.
One protester shouted that the plan amounted to "sheer murder" of parkland, while another was applauded for suggesting people vote out their councillors at the next election.
It is thought developers will now return to the drawing board to settle on firm plans for the site. But it is not known when they will be submitted.
Mr Moore said afterwards: "On behalf of everyone at the club we are happy with the decision. Everyone has worked very hard and will continue to work hard to get the right stadium."
Published Thursday November 7, 2002
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