New football stadium will be built off Gardiners Lane, Basildon

The third phase of the huge application has been recommended for approval, with a new loop road built and both Gardiners Close and Gardiners Way widened.

Basildon United will see a new stadium built on the site, but it will have a reduction in capacity from 2,000 to 1,500 seats.

Basildon Council will give the final seal of approval to the plans next week, but developers must build a new primary school and stump up £2.2milllion for schools across the town.

Fears have been raised over the number of homes on the site, but fresh concerns surround the number of affordable homes being built.

Pat Rackley, a former Basildon councillor, said: “The numbers they are looking at aren’t high enough.

“I understand homes need to be built, but a lot of people still can’t afford the so-called affordable homes.

“To go along with with school provision, there needs to be doctors and dentists provided.”

As part of the plans, 31 per cent of the homes will be classed as affordable.

More than £200,000 will be given to “healthcare facility improvements.”

Homes England and Basildon Developments Ltd are behind the plans.

The third phase will see 74 extra homes built.

A 3G pitch, a new park, shops, and a sports centre will all be built on the land.

David Burton-Sampson, the Mayor of Basildon, added: “31 per cent affordable homes is the national minimum standard.

“Of course we would like that number to be higher, but the scheme needs to be viable for the developer.

“We have to make sure infrastructure is there for the health aspect, which is why, as part of our budget, we’re looking to build a new health surgery in the town centre.

“That will serve 15,000 people.”

Under the plans, a new bus route which services the site would also be developed.

A cycle and pedestrian route will be also be installed from Cranes Farm Road.

The Basildon and Rifle Club will be forced to move to Courtauld Road.

Basildon United Football Club was contacted for comment.