Thursday 19 April 2018 22:30, UK
Crystal Palace have been granted permission by Croydon Council to rebuild the main stand at Selhurst Park.
The redevelopment project will increase the stadium's capacity from 26,000 to more than 34,000.
The council now will refer the application to the London Mayor after councillors on the planning committee voted unanimously to back the development on Thursday night.
If approval is given, planning permission will be granted for the project which is expected to cost between £75m and £100m.
Palace, who are yet to secure their Premier League status for next season, hope to begin work at the conclusion of the 2018/19 campaign and to complete it in time for the start of 2021/22.
"I am absolutely delighted that Croydon Council has backed our plans for Selhurst Park," said Palace 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 tonight, 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."
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.
