PLYMOUTH City Council is to buy Home Park in a landmark decision that paves the way for Argyle's survival.

Councillors on both sides of the political divide united to vote unanimously in favour of the "historic" £1.6million purchase.

There were emotional scenes at the Council House yesterday as around 150 fans packed the public gallery.

Speaking afterwards, they described the move as "monumental" in the Pilgrims' fight for survival.

Businessman James Brent's takeover of the administration-hit club hinged on the decision – and Argyle could now be rescued from folding by the end of the week.

The deal will see the council, which sold the ground for £2.7million five years ago, cash in on leasing it back to the club for £135,000 a year.

Argyle will get to keep its car park, with the authority also pocketing half of the profits of any development.

Council leader Vivien Pengelly said the agreement represented "good value for money" for the taxpayer.

Cllr Pengelly told an extraordinary full council meeting: "The football club makes a major contribution to the health of the city.

"If a city has a successful football club the city rides on its success."

But she stressed: "This proposal has not been put forward with any emotion but as a hard-headed commercial deal that will give the club a new future and preserve the economic benefit it brings to the city."

And, in a rousing speech, opposition Labour group leader Cllr Tudor Evans said buying Home Park was "absolutely the right thing to do".

"Argyle runs through this place like the letters on a stick of rock," he said praising the club's staff, supporters and Argyle Fans' Trust. "It's not a franchise – it's a heartbeat."

Cllr Pengelly got a standing ovation from the floor as she added: "This deal is only one piece of the jigsaw. We've done our bit – now it's over to the other people to do their bit."

Each past and present staff member owed wages must agree to Mr Brent's five-year repayment package if the Football League is to approve the deal and the club is to survive.

The Herald has learned that at least four individuals remain in negotiations. They include two players no longer at the club, another high-profile former employee and one figure linked to the Pilgrims' discredited former board of directors.

Acting Argyle chairman Peter Ridsdale, who sat with fans during the council meeting, said: "This decision shows how important a vibrant club is to a city like Plymouth.

"But there are a few people who are sadly letting their personal positions get in the way of letting us tie this up. They have to be reasonable."

Mr Brent praised the council for its "enthusiastic support" to his plans.

"We now need to conclude the transaction," he added. "Unfortunately that is not going to be a victimless exercise. People are going to have to work with us – and quickly – because if they don't there will be further cost to the club's staff."

John Petrie, of the Argyle Fans' Trust, said: "It's great to see our leaders having some foresight and planning for the future. We'll celebrate – but we are not there yet."