Plans have been approved for Chelsea Football Club's (FC) new £500 million stadium in London.

City Mayor Sadiq Khan has granted permission for the project to be built next to the Club's existing Stamford Bridge ground today, 06 March.

Designed by architects Herzog and de Meuron, features include increasing match-day capacity from 41,600 to 60,000, including the construction of an elevated walkway over the nearby District Line, linking the stadium to Fulham Broadway station.

As part of the application, the Club will invest £12m community activities, such as employment and skills training, as well as a contribution of £3.75m towards affordable housing in the borough.

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Mayor Khan said: "London is one of the world's greatest sporting cities and I'm delighted that we will soon add Chelsea's new stadium to the already fantastic array of sporting arenas in the capital.

"Having taken a balanced view of the application, I'm satisfied this is a high-quality and spectacular design which will significantly increase capacity within the existing site, as well as ensuring fans can have easy access from nearby transport connections.

"I'm confident this new stadium will be a jewel in London's sporting crown and will attract visitors and football fans from around the world."

In a statement, Chelsea FC added: "On 11 January, Hammersmith & Fulham Council resolved to grant planning permission for a new stadium at Stamford Bridge subject to receiving mayoral approval. Following a review by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, we are delighted he has chosen to support the council's decision.

"This is the latest significant step toward redevelopment of the stadium and the delivery of the extensive local community programme.

"Further steps lie ahead, both during and after the planning process, before construction work can commence."

(LM/MH)