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Over two years of planning, consulting, reviewing, re-planning, re-consulting, and re-reviewing has come to fruition tonight — and that’s not including any of the proposals about moving to Battersea and the like — as Hammersmith & Fulham Council have approved Chelsea’s planning application for the rebuild of Stamford Bridge.
Result: Hammersmth & Fulham Council has unanimously approved Chelsea's Stamford Bridge redevelopment plan.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
The vote is unanimous: Chelsea's new stadium has been granted planning approval. by the committee, subject to minor amendments #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
We’ve covered these plans in a fair bit of detail over the course of the last couple seasons — see here and here, for starters — but the main idea is to knock down the current structure and all the adjoining ephemera (Chelsea Hotel, etc.), extend the footprint of the site as much as possible with decking over the rails (this work would begin first, probably at the end of this season, with demolition of the surrounding structures to follow over the next year, then the rest to follow after that), dig down to create extra vertical space, and build a new 60,000-seater stadium.
Did I say stadium? I meant Cathedral of Football. (Unfortunately, it won’t be called that, or probably Stamford Bridge either, at least not officially, with naming rights supposedly up for grabs.)
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Other issues do remain — what to do with the CPO?; where to move for three years while construction is going on? what exactly will be done to mitigate local business, residential, and environmental impact? what if Abramovich decides this isn’t the best use of his £500m+? — and tonight’s vote could technically be appealed, but this is giant step forward in the new stadium process and one that should make everyone very, very excited for the long-term future.
Dan Levene and Liam Twomey sacrificed their Wednesday nights to attend the meeting in person (alongside various local luminaries and representatives from Chelsea, including Bruce Buck). Their Twitter accounts provide a several more interesting, hilarious, mundane details from this three-hour snoozefest.
The planning team have set up nice models of the past, present & future Stamford Bridge #cfc pic.twitter.com/JX6nbCsYjP
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Cllr Adam Connell, committee chair, has described this as a 'highly unusual' matter for the committee, with a great level of public interest
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
The LBHF planning committee has 10 members: six Labour, four Conservative. Planning matters may not be voted for on political grounds.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
The first mention of Safe Standing - a representation from someone wanting it included. It is not mentioned in the planning agenda.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Planning officer: the officers recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to conditions. And there he ends his introduction.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Paul Heagren: "We believe development of Chelsea FC is integral to the prosperity of the borough.The stadium will be seen across the world."
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
David Johnstone: "Stamford Bridge is a place of pilgrimage for millions of people. It is an asset that must be protected and nurtured."
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Local resident speaking disagrees with findings of case officer & says project will damage conservation areas around new stadium #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Main issue seems to be the raised pedestrian walkway, which resident says will have "profound" effect on the Billings conservation area #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
An objector is now speaking about the importance of a local tree, and arrangements for pruning it.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Another resident in objection says decibel level of bigger stadium is "unknown" & claims there is no plan for possible terror attack #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Common theme among objectors is the disruption & damage construction of the new stadium would cause #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Interestingly, we are seeing evidence of Chelsea as a community club. Those in favour, against, ward councillors - all match-going fans.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Planning cttee member congratulates Chelsea for employing 'world class' architects. Likens some other stadium designs to shopping centres.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Councillor says much of detail in plan is "incompatible" with approval of the project, but concludes it's "acceptable". Confusing #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Members of the public who previously spoke in objection to plans being reminded not to call out during committee discussions #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Member of the committee says: "We are big fans of sustainable drainage." And so say all of us.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
First mention by a councillor of the section 106 agreement, the details of which will be important in the outcome of tonight #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Committee member says every stadium change this committee has agreed in 25yrs has detrimentally affected the microclimate at pitch level.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Committee hears 12,463 postcards in support of the development, from as far away as Nigeria and Massachusetts, were received by LBHF.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Are there any plans to replace 59 trees lost as part of the development? And if so, where? That is a matter to be discussed, apparently.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Councillor asks if due consideration has been given to local business owners who may suffer during Chelsea's three-year absence #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 11, 2017
Common theme from councillors is to compliment the design, with minor reservations about detail. This looks to be going in Chelsea's favour.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
Result: Hammersmth & Fulham Council has unanimously approved Chelsea's Stamford Bridge redevelopment plan.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017
And that is that. After 2hrs 52mins: Chelsea have planning permission for a new Stamford Bridge. A major moment in the history of the club.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 11, 2017