SOUTHEND United FC’s proposed football ground move could be bigger than originally anticipated, it has been claimed.

According to Property Week, the Fossetts Farm plans could be even greater in size, with 160 residential units built into the north stand of the 21,000 seater stadium.

These would be in addition to flats already planned in three surrounding tower blocks.

The trade magazine says the homes for rent at the stadium will allow the owners to keep control of the development.

Plans were unveiled to the public last year, with the first phase including 35 retail units, a 12 screen Cineworld, 10 restaurants, and 240 apartments in three tower blocks.

The first phase included three sides of the stadium, while the second phase, included a 134-bedroom hotel, which will be attached to the west stand, will have 48 rooms doubling as private viewing boxes on match days.

It will also contain a conference suite for more than 900 people.

A plaza outside the stadium will have a huge plasma TV, pre-match entertainment and fast food.

Property Week also speculated that there were advanced talks with the Hilton in regards to the hotel.

A spokesperson for Hilton said: “Hilton is in an exciting phase of growth, and we’re exploring a number of locations across Essex and the UK in which to introduce our brands.

“However, we currently have no confirmed projects in Southend.”

According to the trade magazine, a revised planning application will be submitted next month.

It will reflect the changes, which will also see the retail space planned increase in size from 230,000 square feet to 300,000 square feet.

The club, which has been planning a move to Fossetts Farm for more than 15 years now, got Government approval for the scheme back in 2008.

Yet plans stalled as Sainsbury’s, which was then backing the club, suffered setbacks.

There has been much speculation over the plans over the years, including over when it will begin.

The Echo contacted the club for comment, but they declined at this stage.