A temporary pitch and facilities should be ready for the new season

The council met on Thursday, after a planning committee meeting the day before, and the plans were sent to the Government Office for the South East.

If the Secretary of State is not called in, then Thanet council said it can formally issue the planning approval.

Plans alongside the 5,000-capacity stadium include a hotel and theme bar.

There would also be a health and fitness centre, conference and banqueting facilities, a full-size all-weather football pitch and 10 five-a-side pitches.

The London and Margate Development team also has to submit a project viability statement to the council before scheduled redevelopment of Hartsdown Park can begin by the end of 2005.

Councillor Sandy Ezekiel, leader of Thanet council, said: "The most important thing now is ensuring that this project stacks up financially, and the land required from the council to allow the scheme to go ahead will not be provided until we are fully satisfied on this point."

A temporary stadium and playing surface are due to be in place for Margate FC to begin the 2005/06 season in the Ryman Premier League.