Dockers face a battle to build their new ground

Back in February we brought you the news that Pitching In Isthmian North side Tilbury had submitted ambitious plans to build a new five million pound stadium- a stones throw from their current Chadfields site. The new stadium would be a four thousand capacity community sports facility, with an all-weather pitch, clubhouse, gym and hall, with parking facilities. Attached to the development will be the building of one hundred and twelve new homes on previously developed land- the site of the existing stadium.

All rather marvellous, you might think, particularly given the club already own all the land involved- but it seems that local planners may throw a spanner in the works when the matter goes before the Thurrock Planning Committee in early January, as it is being suggested in the local press that officers of the Thurrock Planning Department will recommend refusal due to the fact that "the new stadium will be too intrusive and will harm the green belt."

Read the documents relating to the development here. Our earlier article, from February, announcing the scheme can be read here.

We'll keep you updated once the planners have met. Good luck to the Dockers, who are proposing a facility which will have massive community benefit.