BRENTFORD'S plans to move to a new stadium took a massive step closer after the club purchased the land at Lionel Road .

The club want to build a 15,000 capacity stadium on the 7.6 acre site, which has been bought by owner Matthew Benham from Barratts Homes for an undisclosed fee.

In addition, there will be some residential property built on the site and at Griffin Park , which will be used for family housing once the new stadium is completed.

The Bees want to submit plans to Hounslow Council within the next year with a view to moving into the new all-seater stadium in time for the start of the 2016/17 season.

Chairman Greg Dyke said: “This is brilliant news for the club and it’s now full steam ahead for a new stadium.

“This would not have been possible without Matthew Benham and all Bees fans should be grateful for the financial support he has given the club in recent years.

"Hopefully by the time we move into the new ground we will already be a Championship club.

“The journey to Lionel Road has been a long and, at times, frustrating one but hopefully it is now coming to fruition.

"I said in the annual report that I believed it would happen in my lifetime and it now looks very likely!”

New club owner, Benham, said :“I am delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement with Barratt Homes and take control of the land at Lionel Road.

"The club can now get on with preparing plans for an exciting new community stadium that will provide a great boost in terms of much needed new homes and jobs in Brentford.”

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