SOUTHEND United could be in their new home by as early as next Christmas - if everything goes to plan.

Chairman Ron Martin told the club’s annual meeting on Thursday night the revised proposal would be submitted the following day.

Talking about the plans for Fossetts Farm, he said: “Fossetts is largely the same although we’ve extended the car parking facilities.”

The plans, which were previously submitted, include a 21,000-seat stadium, a cinema, restaurants and retail space.

Mr Martin said Sainsbury’s – a development partner in the original plans – is no longer involved. The future development at Roots Hall, the home of the current stadium, is now set to be “entirely residential”.

Mr Martin said: “There has been a lot of hard work by a lot of people.

“The plans are significantly different. We do not have Sainsbury’s. All supermarkets stopped building megastores probably two-and-a-half years ago.”

Speaking about the future of Roots Hall, he added: “It’s all residential at Roots Hall. There is no supermarket and it’s a shame because that takes a lot of money out of the equation.”

Weston Homes bought the old Prospects College site neighbouring the Roots Hall stadium last year.

Two weeks ago, navy boardings – clearly stamped with the Southend United logo – suddenly sprung up around Fossetts Farm.

It sparked widespread speculation that work is due to start. Although plans are not yet available to view on Southend Council’s planning website, it has left the town and fans optimistic.that the plans are moving forward.

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, said he was happy the plans have been submitted.

He said: “I am pleased to see it come in and finally move forward.

“We have been waiting for some time. The previous plans ran out of time so we have been waiting for them to be re-submitted.

“We will look at the plans very closely and look at any changes, although we will have to look at the whole application in its fullest form to see what it all means. “We will also need to look at the plans and how they affect other areas.

“A new stadium will be good for the town and such an attraction – especially if Southend get promoted.”

Paul Thompson, from the Southend Seafront Traders Association, said: “It is good for the football club to get a new stadium. We are just waiting to see the plans now.”

Mr Martin told the meeting said building will start as soon as planning permission is granted by the council.

He added: “There’s a 16-week period where third parties can make representations on the application. Assuming the local authorities come to a decision in the autumn we will be ready to start construction immediately afterwards.

“The first phase will get us into the stadium in December next year.”