Liverpool get go-ahead for new 60,000 stadium

Liverpool were given the go-ahead to build a new 60,000-seater stadium next door to their famous Anfield home

Liverpool were given the go-ahead to build a new 60,000-seater stadium next door to their famous Anfield home.

The decision to grant planning permission was taken by Liverpool council after a five-hour debate into the future of the 80-million-pound plan which would see the ground built on Stanley Park which separates Anfield from Goodison Park, the home of local rivals Everton.

However, there has been such local opposition to the plan that it will have to be given the final go-ahead by Britain's deputy prime minister John Prescott who could call a public inquiry.

The decision will come as a relief to Liverpool as Anfield holds just 45,000 fans, but will be greeted with controversy by locals and environmental groups worried about development on Stanley Park.

It is expected the old stadium will be turned into a plaza, shops, restaurants, flats, offices and a hotel with the Hillsborough memorial also relocated to the new plaza.