Brentford football club was today given the green light for controversial plans for a new 20,000-seater stadium to replace its current Griffin Park home.
Planning minister Nick Boles said the proposed development at Lionel Road, which also includes 910 new homes, a hotel and shops, could go ahead.
The £70 million proposal had already been approved by Hounslow Council and Boris Johnson and the referral to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles was the last hurdle.
The scheme, which includes 12 towers of up to 16 storeys, had been criticised by Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith who warned they will blight protected views of Kew Gardens.
There has also been concern about the lack of affordable housing in the plans. But Brentford chairman Cliff Crown said: “We firmly believe this is a once-in-a-generation chance to create a vibrant new stadium that will add to the buzz that is going on around Brentford. Although there is still work to be done, we are delighted to have received the support from the minister.”
Work is expected to start on the new stadium in the summer.
