The U's are planning a new stadium on the outskirts of town at Cuckoo Farm.

One thousand new homes, a northern approach road and a business park are also planned for the site.

Colchester's chief executive Marie Partner told BBC Essex: "It's actually a bit scary because this is the closest we've been."

"The finishing touches are being put to the application. This should go before a planning committee on July 31st.

"I'm very optimistic and if it all gets the go ahead the first turf could be cut as early as September," she added.