Brentford FC's new stadium has moved another step closer to reality after the club signed a development agreement with Willmott Dixon.

The two sides have put pen to paper on the deal to build a 20,000 seat arena in Lionel Road South, along with 910 homes, community facilities and shops.

The club said the contract, announced today, meant the developer would also 'bring forward' plans for 70 new family homes at Brentford's existing Griffin Park stadium, in Braemar Road.

It said this estate would include a memorial garden commemorating the history of the football ground the Bees have called home since 1904.

The club said the 'next immediate step' was for Hounslow Council to issue the necessary compulsory purchase orders (CPO), forcing owners of the remaining land needed for the new stadium to sell up.

In the meantime it said it would work with the developer on the preparations needed for work to begin at the site 'later next year'.

Councillors voted back in August to use CPOs to secure land for the new stadium if necessary. They said at the time that Brentford FC owned two thirds of the 4.7 hectare site but negotiations with remaining landowners had so far proved 'unsuccessful'.

getwestlondon has asked the club and the council how much land is still needed and when any CPOs are likely to be issued, if at all. We are awaiting a response.

Brentford FC chairman Cliff Crown said: "This agreement confirms the deliverability of our scheme and we now have in place a sound commercial model and a sensitive design approach which will create an exciting stadium for our supporters, opportunities for new jobs and local businesses and an attractive environment for visitors and local residents.

"It's a great Christmas present for all Bees fans. 125 years after the Bees were founded, we have an exciting future ahead of us."

The signing of the development agreement comes just over a year after Hounslow Council approved the club's controversial plans for its new stadium, and nine months after they got the green light from communities secretary Eric Pickles.

Andrew Telfer, chief executive of Willmott Dixon's development company Regen, said: "Importantly as long term partners, we have a good cultural fit with Brentford FC as we share a strong commitment to support the growth and prosperity of local communities. We look forward to working with the Bees to create a bright new future for the Club and this part of Hounslow."

Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran said: "This agreement seals a great step forward for the Bees, Brentford and the whole borough. It's another sign that Hounslow and Brentford is fast becoming known as west London’s boomtown.

"Let's keep our fingers crossed that the Bees continue their great start to the season and grab promotion to the Premier League in the New Year."

Brentford FC are riding high in third place in the Championship, one point off the automatic promotion spots, heading into the Christmas schedule.