Liverpool’s plans to extend the Anfield Road Stand have been approved.
Final ratification of the Reds’ bid to expand their smallest-sized stand by 7,000 seats was given by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.
Six out of the eight councillors on the committee voted in favour, passing the proposed £60 million redevelopment project by a significant majority.
Anfield councillor Lena Simic opposed the proposals due to impact it will have on Stanley Park, where 27 trees will need to be removed during construction.
Liverpool’s chief operating officer Andy Hughes argued that two of the trees are dead or dying while a further six need to be removed on safety grounds.
He said: “The club has been investing significant sums into Stanley Park over many years.
“We’ve spent over £20m on the restoration of the park and this proposal involves us investing more.
“We have made really significant contributions to the park and continue to take it really seriously.”
The renovation will see Anfield become the third-largest capacity venue in the Premier League, behind only Manchester United and Tottenham’s stadiums.
Building work is expected to begin during the summer with its completion date forecast to coincide with the start of the 2023/24 football campaign.
Construction will accommodate the stadium’s in-season use, meaning no restrictions on capacity when Jurgen Klopp’s side play their home matches.