Standing areas will be allowed in the Premier League from January

English Premier League and Championship clubs will be able to offer licensed standing areas from January 1  

General view of the standing terraces at Griffin Park (John Walton/PA)

Clubs in the Premier League and Championship will be able to offer licensed standing areas from January 1 next year as part of a pilot programme.

The Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) set out the plans in a statement on Wednesday.