IT has taken 15 years for the ambitious stadium plans to come this far.

Yesterday club chairman Ron Martin welcomed the latest step on the path to a new home for the Blues.

He said : “I am pleased the council have now commenced their consultation process and with a target determination date of September 7, 2017. This means that the first available committee date where the club’s application may be considered is Wednesday, September 13.

“I do hope the council will achieve this date and the club and its consultants will assist the council where possible to ensure there is no slippage.

It is important that the planning programme is adhered to, to avoid any delays in the construction programme that will follow.”

Councillors will have a lot to weigh up when it comes to deliberating over the plans.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy welcomed new jobs to the town but said the application would have to be studied for its overall impact.

She said: “Creating extra jobs is very good for the economy but you have got to weigh it up in the whole.

“You’ve got to look at the infrastructure and the effect it will have on local conditions..”

Mrs Holland added: “Any new jobs are welcome but they are just part of the scheme and you have to look at the whole thing.”

Addressing concerns over the impact on Southend High Street trade Mrs Holland said: “I thought it would take away some trade from the town centre but shops are struggling anyway at the moment.

“People are shopping more and more online .

“I want to see a vibrant town centre and I think the new homes being built in Victoria Avenue will help to do that.”