Liverpool hopes to "receive the go-ahead from city councillors" for its proposed £75M ($122M) Anfield upgrade "before the end of this month," according to Chris Bascombe of the London TELEGRAPH. A planning report delivered to Liverpool City Council has "recommended permission be granted for the rebuilding of Anfield's Main Stand" at a meeting to be held on Sept. 23. Liverpool is giving "only a cautious welcome to the crucial document which backs their scheme, believing there are still several hurdles to overcome in what has been a prolonged process." There is "still scope for residents and businesses to oppose the scheme, and for a legal challenge to any decision which could further delay building work." There is "no doubt, however, this is another major step towards Liverpool
increasing their capacity" to around 53,500 for the start of the '16-17
season (TELEGRAPH, 9/15). In Liverpool, Marc Waddington reported an extension of the Main Stand "would produce 8,500 extra seats." There is "also outline permission recommended for an expanded Anfield Road Stand which would take capacity to 58,800." The 70-plus page council report reveals that "the new Main Stand would be constructed behind the existing stand to its full height." Initially an access strip would be "kept between the two stands to allow access for match day spectators and stadium operations." The report by council officers also includes "a lot of detail about how construction of the expansion of the Main Stand would happen" (LIVERPOOL ECHO, 9/15). In Glasgow, David Maddock reported there "must still be one further consultation process -- to allow the council to check whether all legal obligations have been met during the planning stage." If, "as expected, the planning committee now offers consent next week,
then there will be a further month-long consultation, and if that passes
without problem, then work could begin by the turn of the year" (Scotland DAILY RECORD, 9/16).