Chelsea are one major step closer to beginning work on a proposed £500m redevelopment of their Stamford Bridge home after London Mayor Sadiq Khan gave plans the green light, labelling the future stadium a 'jewel in London's sporting crown' in the process.
The plans had already been approved by Hammersmith & Fulham council earlier this year, but still required a final sign off from the city's mayor himself.
Now that formal permission has been given, it is a significant step forward for the project.
"Having taken a balanced view of the application, I'm satisfied this is a high quality plan which will significantly increase the capacity at the existing site, as well as ensuring fans can have easy access from nearby transport connections," Khan said.
"I'm confident this new stadium will be a jewel in London's sporting crown and will attract visitors and football fans from around the world."
BREAKING NEWS Mayor of London approves Chelsea Fc's plans for £500m redevelopment of Stamford Bridge #chelsea #cfc #chelseafc #chleseafan12 pic.twitter.com/IcQ2dJ37JA
Meanwhile, a statement from the club read, "On 11 January, Hammersmith & Fulham Council resolved to grant planning permission for a new stadium at Stamford Bridge subject to receiving mayoral approval. Following a review by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, we are delighted he has chosen to support the council's decision.
"This is the latest significant step toward redevelopment of the stadium and the delivery of the extensive local community programme."
The 2016/17 champions elect also acknowledged that a few final steps lie ahead before the real construction can actually be started.
It is anticipated that Chelsea will be playing at the 60,000-seat capacity, new Stamford Bridge in time for the 2021/22 season. A temporary home will be required from 2018.
Wembley is expected to provide the solution, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur playing European games at the national stadium this season, extending to all home games next season as the final work on the new White Hart Lane development is completed.
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