Plans for almost 130 flats on the site of Southend United's proposed new stadium have been submitted.

In a press conference two weeks ago, club chairman Ron Martin outlined his plans for the 22,000-seater stadium, which was to include a hotel, conference facilities, bars and restaurants, a shopping precinct and a new training ground.

But it has now emerged Mr Martin wants to build 127 flats in blocks ranging from five to seven storeys high as part of the £25million development.

The flats would include 192 basement parking spaces.

Mr Martin said: "The flats are part of our plans to create a 24/7 living environment at Fossetts Farm. When you have an out-of-town football stadium, they can often be a target for graffiti and vandalism.

"We believe having people living on the site would be a deterrent to major problems arising, combined with the hotel and conference facilities."

But resident Sheila Gaylor, who lives close to the proposed stadium in Sutton Road, expressed her concern with the flats development.

She said: "I think if flats are agreed, then this will be the thin end of the wedge and we are going to see a housing estate nearby before we can do anything about it.

"A lot of people are very concerned about this development and the fact it is close to the crematorium and the Garden of Remembrance.

"I know there is a lot of support for this proposal from Southend United supporters, but I think there are more people in the town who are actually against it than there are in favour."

Mrs Gaylor said when functions were held at the nearby Boots and Laces training ground, it sounded "as if it is in our back garden".

David Garston, cabinet member for sustainable Southend, said he had not realised flats were included as part of the development.

He said: "I certainly did not get that impression at the presentation given to council members, but it is an issue which will have to be controlled by planning and I would not want to pre-empt any decision.

"However, the area is one which was zoned for commercial use, so the application will have to be looked at closely."