A DECISION on Southend United’s new stadium has gone into extra time with the club and Southend Council agreeing to another six months of discussions.

It means Southend Council has until March next year to decide on the major development, which will also dictate what happens to Roots Hall.

A joint statement, from club chairman Ron Martin and councillor Carole Mulroney, states: “The application for a new football stadium and associated facilities is the single largest and most complex planning application in the town for a number of years.

“Its impact on the borough as a whole could be quite profound, so it needs very careful consideration.

“It is in the interests of both the council and the football club that the planning application is as robust and thorough as it can be so that the development control committee can make an informed decision and ensure it benefits the town as a whole.

“For this reason, we have mutually agreed to allow extra time for work to be carried out on the application and we will continue to work closely together during this period to resolve any outstanding planning issues.”

Southend Council had previously refused to say how long the extra time would last claiming it was “between the applicant and ourselves” despite the huge public interest and impact on residents.

Now it can be revealed the period requested is six months with a decision now due sometime before March 2020.

New planning documents state the council and club are discussing what contributions will be made to the town as part of the deal if permission is granted.

The proposed multi-million-pound development includes a 21,000-seat stadium, as well as five residential buildings, shops, restaurants, a cinema and four full sized grass football pitches.

If planning permission is granted it will clear the way for a major new housing development on land currently occupied by the club at Roots Hall.

This could include a 500-home development.