Green light for Cardiff stadium

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has described the decision to recommend plans for a new 30,000-seater stadium for council approval as “a milestone” for the club.

The decision means work on the proposed £38m (€56m) development directly opposite the Bluebirds’ current Ninian Park home in the Leckwith area of the capital is scheduled to start in March.

The stadium project, which includes a retail development on the 60-acre site, has been dogged by delays, but is now due to be completed by the end of 2008.

Ridsdale said: “This announcement is truly a milestone for Cardiff City Football Club.

“Many people have been involved in getting to the stage where the talk has now turned into reality. From a position where the club’s very existence was in question, we can now look forward to the day when we will be playing in a new stadium.

“That will give us a real chance to compete with the very best in professional football.”

The next step is for the matter will be considered by the council’s scrutiny and executive committees in December.