Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge redevelopment gets thumbs up from planners
Chelsea's redevelopment plans for Stamford Bridge have moved a step closer to going ahead after being recommended for approval by planners at Hammersmith and Fulham council.
The council will make their final ruling on planning permission for the Blues' £500m project next Wednesday.
Chelsea want to boost the capacity of Stamford Bridge from 41,600 to 60,000 and build a new-look, brick exterior around the stadium.
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The ambitious project is expected to take three-years to complete during which time Chelsea will be forced to find temporary accomodation elsewhere, with Wembley the most obvious option.
Planners have recommended the proposals for a "stadium design of considerable architectural distinction" as it will keep the internationally recognised brand within the Hammersmith and Fulham borough and provide other public benefits such as a larger number of tickets dedicated to local youths.
Chelsea's previous enquiries about building a brand new stadium at Earls Court or Battersea Power Station were rejected "on policy grounds as the inclusion of a football ground was found not to be consistent with housing regeneration objectives identified for those areas".