Koppites could be in 60,000-seat stadium by 2008 as council gives new Anfield go-ahead.

Plans for a new 60,000-seat stadium for Liverpool Football Club have been given the go-ahead by the local authority. The £80m stadium will be a short distance from the club’s current home and will retain the Anfield name.

There are still doubts over whether the scheme will get off the ground as part of the stadium complex will be built on the Grade II-listed Stanley Park. If the project is called in by the office of the deputy primeminister, a public inquiry could result in lengthy delays for the project. Liverpool FC is keen for the stadium to be built in time for the City’s period as European Capital of Cultural in 2008.

There is still a chance that Liverpool and rivals Everton will share a stadium. The Northwest Development Agency believes that it would make economic sense to build a joint stadium. Everton’s plans for a new £60m stadium fell through because of lack of funds.

If the ground is built it will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area, which includes some of the most run-down parts of Liverpool.