Ambitious plans for Southend United's new 22,000 capacity stadium have been discussed by councillors for the first time.

Members of Rochford District Council had mixed views about the ground, as well as shops, housing and car parking.

The decision on the stadium at Fossetts Farm, Eastern Avenue, will be made by Southend Borough Council, but Rochford has been asked for its views.

A seperate application for 454 car parking spaces as well as training pitches has been submitted to Rochford District Council.

At Rochford's development control committee meeting last night, councillor Michael Starke said: "There isn't any doubt that sporting success does bring a feel-good factor to the community, but in spite of their recent promotion they are currently struggling in the Championship.

"We are never going to be a Manchester United or Arsenal despite their recent (Carling Cup) win.

"It is definitely a case of whether this is an ideal site. The Thames Gatesway slogan is Come Alive' and I think this definitely fits in with that."

In the application, it has been estimated that 76 per cent of supporters would arrive at home matches at the new stadium by public transport, and that there would only be a four per cent increase in traffic on matchdays.

Councillor Chris Black said: "That figures surprises me. Is it just from matchgoers or residents and visitors to the retail park as well?

"If it is just from supporters I think that is somewhat unlikely."

Residents living in nearby Sutton have previously voiced their opposition to the plans, but the council also received 42 letters of support from residents, the vast majority of whom lived in Rochford and Southend.

The stadium is designed as a bowl structure sunk into the ground so that the pitch is below exisiting ground level.

Southend United had achieved two successive promotions but currently languishing five points adrift at the bottom of the Championship.