Planning permission for Q1, the first phase of the development, was issued today (Monday) following the completion of a Section 106 planning agreement.

The Quadrant is a mixed-use scheme which includes a new Community Stadium for Boston United Football Club and its extensive community programme as well as approximately 500 homes and commercial and leisure facilities.

Q1 will be created on two parcels of land located on either side of the A16, south of Tytton Lane East, Wyberton.

David added: "I am delighted that planning permission has been granted and we look forward to continuing to work to bring the scheme to fruition.

"Having the necessary funding in place for not only the Community Stadium, but also the project as a whole has been something that we have been working on in tandem with the planning process and we are making good progress in that respect.

"Two large pots of money have been allocated to the project via the Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership — these funds were part of two new initiatives announced by the government and the detail of how this funding will work is now becoming clearer.

"We have received draft contracts for each of these funds now, while other grant funding is also starting to fall into place.

"Now that planning permission has been formally granted, our priority is to ensure that the balance of the necessary funding is in place as soon as possible. When this is all secured, initial infrastructure can then go in ahead of development commencing on site.

"We can also now move forward with an application for £2million of funding via the Sport England Strategic Facilities Fund, which will help deliver the sports hall and community facilities which are an intrinsic part of the new stadium.

"I understand that now planning permission is in place, people will be keen and excited to see work commence on the new Community Stadium, but I have been clear all along that this is a 'stepped process' and the project must be delivered in a well-planned and sustainable way. We are currently working our way through the technical details of the infrastructure and the Community Stadium, so we are ready to start construction when the final pieces of funding are in place.

"We remain committed to moving this project forward as quickly as possible. Our aim is still to start work on site this year if at all possible, but more importantly it is essential that The Quadrant and the stadium are delivered in the correct way to ensure that it is a viable, sustainable development which the people of Boston can be proud of for many years to come.

"I would like to thank all those that have supported us so far and we look forward to working with the Supporters Association and our fans to make sure the new home for our wonderful football club and community programme becomes a reality."