Grays Athletic FC, a club without a permanent home for 13 years, has received approval to move into a disused stadium on green belt land in Aveley, Essex. The planning committee of Thurrock Council was split 2-2, with chairman Tom Kelly casting the deciding vote in favour on Thursday. However, the final decision rests with the government due to the green belt location.
The club, founded 133 years ago, has been homeless since the New Recreational Ground in Grays was sold for housing. It has since rented various local facilities. The proposed stadium, formerly home to Thurrock FC, will be gifted to Grays Athletic by Group 1 Automotive, which also secured approval for a car preparation plant on the site in July.
Planning officers had recommended refusal due to green belt harm. Councillors opposing the plan, including Labour's Lee Watson and Conservative Paul Arnold, cited damage to the green belt and the Mardyke river, as well as insufficient benefits. Arnold called the scale of car parking 'appalling' relative to the promised 30 jobs.
Supporters, including Conservative Georgette Polley, highlighted job creation, increased sports facilities, and healthy activity. Chairman Kelly noted the move would generate 'hundreds of thousands of pounds' in business rates for the financially troubled council. The club, known as The Gravelmen, said the approval ensures it will 'remain an integral part of Thurrock for generations to come'.
