PLANS for a new £5 million stadium for Tilbury FC have been submitted to Thurrock Council.

It is hoped the proposals will go before planning councillors by the summer and they will get the chance to run the rule over a scheme to deliver a new purpose-built community football stadium, with the capacity to hold 4,000 supporters, an all-weather football pitch, clubhouse and gym, multi-purpose hall and car parking.

As part of the development scheme 112 new homes would be built on the club's current ground, with the club moving to an adjacent open space it already owns.

The scheme is being run in conjunction with Apex Platinum Investments who say: "Tilbury FC is one of the oldest football clubs in the country and the proposals seek to deliver major upgrades to its facilities which promises to secure a bright future for the historic club.

"The delivery of 112 new homes on previously developed land at the club forms part of the fully costed plan to provide funding to enable the much-needed improvements to Tilbury FC.

"The proposal also comes complete with sustainable drainage features, in line with Environment Agency standards, and the inclusion of bat and swift boxes to help maintain and enhance existing habitats for wildlife.

"For more than a century Tilbury Football Club has played an important role at the heart of the community.

"The proposal to enable the community to enjoy the facilities proposed, from a new gym to a clubhouse and all-weather pitch, means that the proposal to invest £5 million in major upgrades is true to the club's roots.

"The community's response to the public consultation held at Tilbury FC on Tuesday, 30 July showed that huge support exists for the proposals.

Of those who provided feedback during the public consultation:

• 94% of residents support the overall plans
• 94% felt that Tilbury needs investment to provide modern community facilities.
• 78% of attendees supporting the principle of providing new homes to enable major upgrades to the club.

Ben Pearce, Director of Apex Platinum Investments, commented: "We are delighted to take the next step forward in our vision to invest £5 million in community facilities for everyone to enjoy.

"Our fully costed proposals will secure a bright future for the club and help more people in Thurrock to get active and involved in sport. It's a real win-win for the whole community."

Danny Nash, Chairman of Tilbury Football Club, commented: "We are proud of our rich history and the role we play at the heart of the community in Tilbury. This proposal presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only secure our long-term future, but go further and take the next step in our growth to continue to do the community proud.

"The proposed investment is a big open goal for the community, and we hope everyone in Thurrock can get behind the plans."