Thursday 8 February 2018 12:21, UK
Crystal Palace have submitted their planning application for redevelopments of Selhurst Park's Main Stand to Croydon Council.
The club also promise to meet the costs of re-housing affected residents in Wooderson Close as a result of the developments, which the club hope will begin towards the end of 2018.
The Eagles announced plans in December 2017 to transform the 94-year-old stadium, increasing the stadium's capacity from 26,000 to over 34,000, with the Main Stand capacity rising to 13,500 from 5,400.
It is expected to cost Crystal Palace between £75m-£100m as developments are also made to the pitch size in accordance with UEFA regulations, infrastructure for disabled supporters and hospitality facilities.
Under the proposals submitted to Croydon Council, six houses in Wooderson Close would be lost, five of which are owned by the local authority.
But Palace have promised to work alongside the council to ensure all tenants affected are re-housed in equivalent properties in one of the surrounding wards, with the club paying relevant moving costs.
Six new family homes will also be built to counteract the houses lost.
Guy Wickett, Crystal Palace development manager, said: "We have had excellent engagement on our proposals with more than 400 people coming to view the plans and hundreds more talking to us through the website, fan forums and on social media.
"Our feedback to date shows that more than 85 per cent of people within the local community support the principle of the redevelopment of the stand.
"We will continue to work with Croydon Council and the local community as the plans progress, addressing any concerns that residents in the immediate area might have.
"This is a development which will bring significant economic and community benefits to the entire area and is a mark of confidence in Croydon."
Speaking in December, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said the club had worked long and hard, assessing a number of options to take Crystal Palace into a new era.
He said: "We need a stadium that reflects who we are, how far we have come and where we want to go - a stadium that South London can be proud of, a home worthy of our incredible support and unique atmosphere and this great Premier League we represent.
"We need a stadium that reflects who we are, how far we have come and where we want to go - a stadium that South London can be proud of, a home worthy of our incredible support and unique atmosphere and this great Premier League we represent."
The project is expected to take up to three years to complete and is designed by architects KSS, the firm behind developments of Anfield, Twickenham and Wimbledon.
A planning committee decision is expected in April 2018. Once validated, the application will be open for public consultation.
