Crystal Palace have been granted permission by Croydon Council to proceed with their £100million stadium redevelopment.
The council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of proposals to increase the Selhurst Park capacity to 34,000 from 26,000, and for the development of a five-storey structure to replace the present main stand.
Palace, who are yet to secure their Premier League status for next season despite their improving fortunes, hope to begin work at the conclusion of 2018/19 and to complete it in time for the start of 2021/22.
Croydon Council will next refer the application to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, whose approval is required before planning permission can be issued. Palace must also rehouse residents of the six homes that require demolishing and improve local transport facilities for supporters.
“I am absolutely delighted that Croydon Council has backed our plans for Selhurst Park,” said the club’s chairman, Steve Parish. “This project will not only transform the stadium, which has been our home since 1924, but it will also have a positive impact on the south London community.
“I wish to thank the lead officer and the councillors for their support, and for all the hard work that has been put in by the council over the last few months to ensure this application was heard so quickly.
“I want to thank everyone who voiced support and those connected to the club who worked so hard over the last few months towards this very important step in the dream of a new Crystal Palace.”
The present main stand at Selhurst Park, which will have a capacity of 13,500 and also offer hospitality and entertainment facilities, will remain in full use throughout the development process. It will also have a glass front, in tribute to the original Crystal Palace.
When Croydon Council invited residents to give feedback on the proposals, around 4,500 were in support; 84 objectors were concerned about congestion and the structure’s design within the context of the local area.