DETAILS of the long-anticipated Roots Hall development have finally emerged, and they include plans for 270 new homes.

The proposal, submitted to Southend Council, is a joint application from Southend United and Sainsbury’s.

Along with the homes, a new superstore, car park and petrol station would be built on the site, creating 350 jobs.

Crucially, if the plan is approved, it would trigger the football club’s move to a new stadium.

Ron Martin, the Blues’ chairman, said: “This submission is another step towards enabling the redevelopment of Roots Hall.

“This is required to enable our plans for a new stadium at Fossetts Farm, which we expect to start building in the new year.

“The progress on the stadium complex will benefit the town and put our football club firmly on the map, while also aiding Southend United’s sustainable growth up the league.”

Robert Oxley, Sainsbury’s regional development executive, said it was great to finally be able to submit the plan.

He added: “This takes us closer to a new store to serve the Southend community, providing additional competition and choice for our customers.

“At the same time, we are very pleased to be helping Southend United move forward with its plans for a new stadium.”

This long-awaited submission, known as a reserved matters application, follows outline planning permission for the whole site being granted in June.

The application includes land covered by the east stand, part of the north stand and stadium car park, as well as several residential properties in Victoria Avenue and Prospects College.

A separate application to replace flats at St Mary’s Court, which are next to Roots Hall, has also been submitted to the council, but details are not yet available.