Plans for a 100-man spectator stand have been approved, despite flooding concerns raised by the Environment Agency.

Canvey’s youth football team will be boosted by a purpose-built spectator stand at Waterside Farm Sports Centre with the plans approved by Castle Point Council at Tuesday night’s development control committee meeting.

But the plans were almost scuppered when the Environment Agency raised concerns over the potential flood risk created by the stand.

Initially, the agency submitted an objection to the plans, but this was removed once a flood risk assessment was conducted.

Paul Smith, 60, took over as Canvey Island Youth FC’s chairman two years ago, and a mixture of on and off the field success now sees the club run 32 teams catering for more than 700 youngsters from the age of four to 18.

The plans were proposed focussing on the youth set up at the club but were boosted when it was revealed that a stand accommodating 100 people is needed to allow the under 18s to hold matches under the Football Pyramid System at the ground.

Planning officers said: “The proposed spectator stand and fence have been found not to detrimentally impact upon open space provision in the area or have adverse consequences in terms of flood risk.

“The limited harm to the openness of the green belt is considered to be outweighed buy the benefits to members of the local community using the football pitch and it is therefore recommended that permission is granted.”

Castle Point Council owns the site, with the club hoping the stand can be used by the community, as well as by schools across Castle Point.

The club’s youth set-up has been boosted by huge on-field success, with the under-17 side taking top spot in a tournament in Holland, as well as success in the younger age groups, including the under 12s winning the County Cup.

The youth club consists of three under seven teams, five under eights, two under nines, three under tens, two under 11s, four under 12s, three under 13s, two under 14s, one under 15, two under 16s, and an under 17 and under 18 side.

There is also a mini-kickers programme for four to seven year olds. Visit canveyislandfc.com/youth