The long trail to the construction of a new stadium for Southend United has hit what could prove to be both its final and biggest obstacle.

The plans for the Fossetts Farm site are agreed in principle, the funding seems assured.

Yet it does face a problem that could prove insuperable. Part of the club's plans rely on a training ground and car park being built on green belt land. As a result, Rochford planning officers are poised to recommend refusal.

The planners are not politicians, but dispassionate professionals who make their judgement according to legally defined principles. Yet if they can find a way to recommend an exception with the stadium, they should.

The Echo has always defended the green belt and will continue to do so in the face of developers seeking to breach this precious asset. Yet there are exceptions, and we believe the stadium is one.

Too many hopes and dreams lie behind this stadium project for it to be abandoned at the last ditch.