A decision is set to be made on plans to build an 8,000-seater stadium at the heart of a new waterfront neighbourhood - almost two years after they were submitted.

The scheme, known as Northfleet Harbourside, will go before Gravesham council’s planning committee next week for the first time.

Outline planning permission for the mixed-use redevelopment at Ebbsfleet United FC’s stadium was submitted to the local authority back in October 2022 and several public consultations have been held since.

This means the applicant, Northfleet Central 1 Limited, is seeking if the proposed development is acceptable in principle.

The scheme involves demolishing the existing buildings on the almost 50-acre brownfield site, which forms part of the Northfleet Industrial Area, realigning Galley Hill Road and Stonebridge Road, landscaping and further highway works.

If approved, it will feature a new retail village consisting of around 40,000 sq m of shops, cafes, sports facilities, a nursery, medical services, and community venues.

This is proposed to sit alongside a 300-bed hotel, 3,500 homes, 18,000 sq m of office space, 2,600 car parking spaces and a new, 18,000 sq m football stadium with up to 8,000 seats.

This would almost double the capacity of the existing football ground, known commercially as the Kuflink Stadium which currently seats 4,769, and it is said it will secure the club’s long-term future.

The council officers’ report, which will be discussed by councillors next week, stated the current grounds limit the club’s ability to meet modern standards and restrict it from hosting other sporting and non-sporting events.

It added: “For the club to be viable and financially independent in the long-term, there is a need to significantly improve the facilities that the site offers to enable growth by providing a completely modern facility.”

The waterside development will be spread across five new “neighbourhoods” which will have a mix of residential and commercial spaces surrounding Ebbsfleet United FC’s grounds if it is given the go-ahead.

These are planned to be known as Parkland, Riverside, Boulevard, Marketplace and Stadium.

Developers said the scheme, which is expected to cost £40million, will provide a boost to the local economy with up to 3,000 new jobs in the retail, leisure and service sectors, including apprenticeships during construction.

In their report, council officers have not yet provided their recommendations for councillors ahead of the meeting next Tuesday (April 30).

However, they have said the proposed development would offer a “substantial contribution” towards the housing needs of the borough and offers a mix of units.

The submitted financial viability appraisal showed the proposal will not support affordable housing as it would not be considered to provide a “sufficient profitable return for any developer”.

Despite this, the applicant has said it would look to provide around 350 homes (10%) as affordable shared ownership.

Officers have also compared the development to being similar to Bluewater Shopping Centre and said the retail and leisure aspects will support the viability of the project.

They dismissed concerns that it could divert trade away from the town centres stating it would likely attract “regional and national chains” so providing different offers.

Although healthcare and nursery provisions have been drawn up, the report highlighted a lack of secondary and primary school places.

It said if it goes ahead, there are “insufficient places” in the area to meet the needs of incoming residents so a financial contribution may need to be made.

However, it added: “It is considered that the proposals would provide sufficient community provision for the level of development proposed and will also be of benefit to the existing community.”

The scheme has had a lot of support from fans and neighbours with more than 300 letters of support submitted praising the need for homes, regeneration, investment and securing the club’s future.

Despite this, 35 objections were also lodged saying it would be overdeveloped if approved and would impact the character of the area.

The initial build phase for the stadium creation would see the club ground-share away from home for the first two years with additional phases taking place over an eight-year timespan.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

It is understood, if given the green light, construction of the stadium will last just under two years, around 93 weeks, between September 2024 and August 2026.

A second phase, consisting of the surrounding Harbourside development, is then scheduled to start in March 2028 and last until September 2031.

Councillors are due to make a decision on the outline plans next Tuesday.