The application was considered by planning officers at Southend Council, who reviewed the application for almost two years. It was announced on 3 April 2020 that a deal has been struck between the club and councillors. More than 1,300 homes will be built in the area around the stadium at Fossetts Farm, in the deal between the club, the council and social housing provider Citizen Housing. Plans for the retail area had been axed. The authority will gain long-term income from managing 500 homes on the current Roots Hall site and 800 surrounding the new stadium.