HUNDREDS of new homes and a 14,000-seat football stadium will still be built despite Southend United facing relegation, council bosses insist.

Southend Council says the proposals for the stadium and 850 homes at Fossetts Farm will not be affected by the fact Southend United is on the brink of being kicked out the football league.

Under the proposals, Roots Hall – Blues’ current home – will also be redeveloped into 502 new homes.

Homes England – the Government’s housing agency – has thrown its support behind the plans, offering a significant investment loan to finance infrastructure and fund the stadium construction.

Southend United lost 2-0 to Essex rivals Colchester on Tuesday, leaving the club potentially crashing out of the football league for the first time in 100 years.

Ian Gilbert, Labour leader of Southend Council, said: “Clearly the future of the club is a concern and it’s bad news if the club is relegated.

“The stadium finance is separate from this and the investment is still with the club and Homes England.

“Everything I’ve heard so far suggests it’s still viable and I believe the club still wants to go ahead.

“From talking with the club I believe the possible relegation will not change anything.

“I think we are only a few weeks away from formal plans being submitted.”

Fans have raised concerns about the future of the stadium plans.

Justin Macal, 50, from Benfleet, who has followed the team for more than 30 years, said: “I cannot see the council backing it if the club is not in the league. I can’t see it happening for a long time, this is a pipe dream and we feel we’ve been sold down the river.”

Ron Woodley, deputy council leader, stressed: “I am not worried about it and what happens on the pitch will not impact this.These are separate issues.”

Chairman Ron Martin was contacted for comment but did not respond to Echo requests.