SUPPORTERS of homeless Grays Athletic are throwing their weight behind a planning application which, if passed, would secure the long-term future of the club.
This Thursday, Thurrock Council will be asked to consider a proposal which would see the former ground of the now defunct Thurrock FC, and pitches on Ship Lane, Aveley, redeveloped.
If passed, the stadium will be gifted to Grays Athletic, thus ending 11 years of exile.
The application – which officers are recommending be refused due to it being on green belt land – also proposes to host a new pre-delivery inspection (PDI) centre for vehicles run by the Group 1 Automotive company as part of a 50/50 split.
Supporters of the fanowned Isthmian North club have campaigned for a home of their own since the Essex club's former Recreation Ground home was sold off to developers in 2010. Since then, they have groundshared at several grounds around the borough. At present, they are tenants at Aveley FC's Parkside.
Additionally, Group 1 Automotive are proposing to plough an extra £500,000 for football facilities in Belhus Woods Country Park.
The planning committee meeting can be viewed via Thurrock Council's YouTube channel on Thursday (February 25) from 6pm.
