The planning process for the Local Plan is now entering its final stages.

But the long running attempt by Braintree Town FC to move to a new stadium is still no nearer a satisfactory conclusion.

On a number of occasions Braintree District Council has stated that it was not viable to relocate the football stadium as there was a significant funding shortfall.

That was between the proceeds that would have been realised from land disposals and the actual cost of a new facility.

The fact is the financial analysis used to justify this statement was fundamentally flawed.

The stadium proposed in the study was significantly larger than required and therefore the costs with its development were higher than necessary.

On the income side the assumptions made about the money to be generated by the sale of the site were based on an undervaluation.

Taking these two factors into account the project can be shown to be completely self funding and not cost the taxpayer any money.

If BDC are serious in their claim that they have always supported the relocation of the football facility providing that it was cost neutral, then it seems reasonable they should re-examine the previous financial evaluation. They should ensure the club is fully consulted as to their requirements and an up-to-date, realistic valuation of the site is incorporated.

It should then not be too late to revert to the previous plan to the extent that it incorporated a new stadium at the Panfield Lane site.

I cannot understand why the council does not take this course of action as it would be a win-win-win situation bringing substantial benefits to the people of Braintree, Braintree Council and the football club.

By Leon Lister of Great Bardfield