Southend United's dreams of a new stadium could be shattered if a crucial part of their plans are refused by Rochford District Council, claims club boss Ron Martin.

Planning officers have recommended the refusal of the club's plans for a training ground and car park in their district because they believe it would set a damaging precedent for development on green belt land.

The rest of Mr Martin's vision - a new 22,000-seater stadium at Fossetts Farm, alongside hotel and conference facilities, flats and a shopping centre - falls in the Southend borough, meaning Southend Council will decide on that portion of the plans.

But Mr Martin said both were "inextricably linked" and the development could not go ahead without the backing of both councils.

He said: "I'm disappointed. Rochford Council has already stated the new stadium has got its support because this application is inextricably linked to it.

"There is no alternative. If it turns it down, the club will be in an unhappy position. This is about Southend's future. It's vital to the growth of Southend United.

"It's taken us years to bring this to fruition. If this doesn't work, it will be a huge blow to the club.

"Council officials are putting the application forward for refusal partly because it is on green belt land.

"They have also expressed concerns about the increase in traffic."

Mr Martin added: "The council officers are concerned that by putting a car park in they are setting a precedent in the green belt.

"We think there are very special circumstances and no precedent would be set.

"There would only be parking on match days, so you are only talking about 200 hours in the course of year. That is very limited use."

Rochford District councillors will decide on the plans for training pitches and a car park on Thursday, January 25 - the day after Southend Council decides on its section of the plans.