FA 'agree in principle' to Chelsea's move to Wembley

The current plans call for construction to start in earnest on Chelsea's new Stamford Bridge stadium in the summer of 2017.  While some work around the site will start next year already, the club will not have to move until two years from now, when the stands will be knocked down and the new ones built in their place.  That process is expected to take 3 years, during which time Chelsea will have to call some other stadium a temporary home.  That stadium is looking increasingly likely to be Wembley.

The Premier League are expected to give Chelsea the go-ahead, subject to planning permission being granted for the new-look Bridge project.

[...]

The FA have been sounded out and have agreed in principle to the move, while Chelsea are also happy with the 50,000-capacity limit for games at Wembley imposed by Brent Council.

That only leaves the Premier League to give their blessing, and that is a formality once the Blues fulfil the league's criteria of:

* Good transport links
* A guarantee that all home league matches will be played at the stadium.
* A proximity to the ground the club are leaving.

Chelsea will satisfy all three.

-source: Mirror

The Mirror's report claims that we will be paying £12m per season for the right to use the biggest stadium in England (albeit at reduced capacity to meet local laws), which is a slight increase on their previously reported £11m per season.  Either way, Wembley looks to have taken the clear lead over Twickenham as far as our temporary home is concerned.  Now we await planning permission to officially get the ball rolling.

There will also be further local consultation on the new stadium during an exhibition planned for next week, September 1-3.