Everton’s new stadium have been given the go-ahead by Liverpool City Council.
Tuesday’s meeting of the council planning committee unanimously approved the Blues’ proposal for a 52,888-capacity ground at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Work on the semi-derelict site in the north Liverpool docks could now begin as early as spring once ratified by local government secretary Robert Jenrick.
Tricia O’Brien, chair of the authorising committee, said: “This is a historic, unanimous, fully attended planning committee decision.
“I hope that is all going to be taken into account when this is passed to the secretary of state who may or may not decide to call it in.
“The excellent work of our planning officers and Everton Football Club, who have again demonstrated they are a power for good in our city, should be taken into consideration and the development should go ahead as soon as practically possible.”
Several heritage bodies including Historic England voiced objections to the scheme which drew condemnation from Kirkdale ward councillor Joe Hanson.
He said: “The dock’s history is important to us but shouldn’t be allowed to stand in the way of progress.
“Historic England are talking about trying to deprive an area of good quality employment and regeneration.
“I find it a little bit insulting that Historic England are asking for a call-in and jeopardising what Everton are trying to do, which is create employment, an iconic stadium on the waterfront and bring life back into the dock area.”
Funding of the project is expected to cost £500 million but is forecast to generate £1.4bn to the local economy while creating up to 15,000 jobs.