Ambitious plans to develop a new soccer stadium complex in Gloucester Park are due to come under the spotlight next month.

Bosses at Billericay Town Football Club and partners Stadia Management have dramatically revamped their proposals for an 8,000 capacity stadium and leisure centre.

Now councillors are set to make a decision on the proposed £12million development, which would take up a patch of scrubland in the corner of the park in Basildon.

Supporters and opponents of the scheme are expected to cram into a council meeting planned for Wednesday, November 6, in the Basildon Centre, St Martin's Square, to hear if the plan is given the thumbs up or is kicked out.

Billericay Town chairman Rod Moore said the stadium consortium is ready to present the plan to council decision-makers.

Mr Moore has pointed out the new design would ensure the area retains "all its natural features" and leave 245 acres of the park unchanged.

An eight-lane swimming pool, fitness centre and hotel still feature in the scheme, which aims to make the complex a "focal point for community sport".

Published Monday October 28, 2002

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