Liverpool Council’s planning committee gave official approval on Tuesday to the application, which will see the capacity at Anfield increased by 7,000 to 61,000.

Some local residents and environmental groups had expressed concern over the impact the works could have on nearby Stanley Park.
Anfield stadium Liverpool panorama view from main stand

But the planning committee voted 6-2 in favour of the scheme, giving the Reds the green light to press ahead with development, which is expected to have an 18-month build time.

It takes the investment in the club’s infrastructure from Fenway Sports Group beyond the £200m mark following the £110m Main Stand and the £50m new training facility in Kirkby.

The earliest estimation for the project to be completed is the summer of 2023, with Liverpool looking to start work as soon as possible.

As with the previous Main Stand redevelopment, there will be no reduction of capacity with construction continuing to the rear of the Anfield Road End during the season before more intrusive work is carried out during the summer months.

The plans also include permission for up to six non-sporting events a year to be held at the ground over the next five years. Bon Jovi, Pink and Take That all played concerts at Anfield in 2019.

And a new-look Anfield could play host to several other events outside of the Premier League calendar such as American and Gaelic football and other non-team sports, with the club having advised the planning committee this could happen between two or three times a year.
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Liverpool had previously altered their initial set of proposals after consultation with locals had raised concerns over the plan that would have seen part of Anfield Road closed off to traffic.

The Reds then decided to suspend the programme in April 2020 due to the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, before submitting a planning application last December.

Those objecting included Liverpool Green Party leader Tom Crone, Liberal Party leader Steve Radford, the Friends of Stanley Park a number of other park friends groups.