A timeline of the key events in the saga of Heybridge Swifts' plans for a new stadium.

MARCH 2015 – Heybridge Swifts unveil a public exhibition of their plans for a new stadium and 104 homes.

The club planned to upgrade its facilities, which are more than 50 years old, to include an all-weather pitch and a larger clubhouse.

In the same month, objections and concerns were received from Sue Wager at Saltcote Farm, which would be right next to the proposed stadium.

JULY 2015 – Following a great deal of public feedback, the club said it would refine its plans for the size of the new clubhouse, which would have initially been four times the size of the existing one. In the same month, The Goldhanger Road Group was formed by residents to oppose the Swifts’ plans. They claimed they did not oppose the club’s growth but the location was unsuitable.

MARCH 2016 – design and technical director Jamie Wragg claimed “extensive” changes had been made to the plans to address residents’ concerns.

MAY 2016 – Further concerns were raised by Mrs Wager at Saltcote Hall and the team at Chigborough Fisheries, whose land would border the new development. They branded the plans “contentious” and that they would be far too close to the fishing lakes.

SEPTEMBER 2016 – Heybridge Swifts released amended plans out for public consultation following feedback received over the previous year and a half.

OCTOBER 2016 – Great Totham Parish Council, who had initially voted in favour of the plans, voted to oppose the stadium.

JUNE 2017 - The plans are unanimously rejected by Maldon District Council members.