Billericay Town Football Club's ambitious plans for a £14.2m stadium relocation to Basildon have suffered a setback, causing frustration to the club's management and fans.

The planning application for moving the stadium from New Lodge in Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, to Gloucester Park went into Basildon Council in August, but now may not be considered until November, it has been revealed.

Chairman Rod Moore and managing director John Stacey hoped the plans would come before the council for approval by October at the latest but now fear the plans will be delayed due to a traffic survey that has to be carried out.

The survey will investigate the amount of noise generated by cars going to and from the proposed stadium as a response to neighbouring residents who fear the noise will increase once it is built.

Mr Stacey said: "It is an agonising time for the members of the club. The traffic survey will push everything back by quite a few weeks and will mean it will not be considered by the council as soon as we hoped."

Plans for the new 8,000 seater stadium which includes a competition swimming pool and fitness centre have been amended to meet objections voiced by local residents.

Published Friday October 11, 2002

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