GRAYS Athletic's hopes of taking possession of the defunct Thurrock FC ground at Ship Lane appear on course to be dashed at this week's meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee.

The controversial application, which has been considered by the authority a number times, finally won approval at a meeting of the council's planning committee in July.

Put to the council jointly by Grays Athletic and Group 1 Automotive Ltd, the scheme was recommended for refusal by officers but, after councillors voted 3-3 on the recommendation, was approved by the casting vote of the committee chairman Cllr Tom Kelly.

Because the vote was against officer recommendation, the constitution demands that it be brought back to committee for a second hearing – and that will happen on Thursday (21 September).

However, only councillors who were present at previous meetings will be able to take part in the debate and vote and on Thursday, Cllr Adam Carter – one of the three to support the application - is not scheduled to attend.

Those due to make up the committee are Cllr Kelly and his vice-chair Georgette Polley, who also supported the application, and Cllrs Paul Arnold, Steve Liddiard, Jacqui Maney, Terry Piccolo, Sue Shinnick and Lee Watson who either cannot vote or who have previously expressed opposition to the plan

And an indication that Grays and Group 1 Automotive suspect the worst is coming came when they withdrew a partner application.

As part of the application for Ship Lane, which will see current training pitches making way for the creation of a car preparation plant and parking, an application was made by Grays and Group 1 Automotive for construction of new 3G football pitch, spectator area and 4.5m high fencing at Belhus.

That was due to be discussed on Thursday but the scheme has now been withdrawn.