Green light for new Pool stadium

LIVERPOOL have finally been granted planning permission to build a new 60,000-seater stadium in Stanley Park to replace their current Anfield home.

The decision was taken today by Liverpool Council’s planning committee after a five-hour debate into the future of the £80m plan.

But although the new ground - whose cost could eventually top £100m - has been given the green light, the plans will be referred to deputy prime minister John Prescott for his approval due to its magnitude and due to opposition to the plan.

It is almost certain that Prescott will call for a public enquiry.

If not, and he passes the decision back to Liverpool Council, the final approval will then have to be given by the planning committee boss.

Yesterday’s decision ends five years of planning by Liverpool for a new home against strong opposition to any attempt to build on the historic park.

There have also been calls for the stadium to be shared by Liverpool with neighbours Everton, but the Anfield club are against such a move.