An extension of the Main Stand would produce 8,500 extra seats, taking capacity to 54,000, while there is also outline permission recommended for an expanded Anfield Road Stand which would take capacity to 58,800.
The 70-plus page council report reveals that “the new Main Stand would be constructed behind the existing stand to its full height”. Initially an access strip would be kept between the two stands to allow access for match day spectators and stadium operations.
It states that steel columns will have to be put in place and major trusses shipped in and assembled on site to support the roof of the extra tier.
It adds: “The existing roof and upper six rows of the Main Stand need to be demolished, the majority of work which would be done pitch side.
“The new roof would include a long span truss over the existing stand, which would be lifted into position by large cranes, which would sit on specially constructed steel towers on either end of the stand.
“Towards the end of the construction programme the access strip between the existing and new buildings would be in-filled with new floors and terracing, with the uppermost rows of the existing stand and roof then being demolished.”
The report by council officers also includes a lot of detail about how construction of the expansion of the Main Stand would happen.
A system of trusses, together with new steel towers, will support the new roof which will be built off-site, and then assembled on site. Lengths of up to 20m of steel may be required to be delivered into Anfield, with load widths of 2.5m and heights up to 4.5m.”
The pieces for the new Stand will be laid out and assembled on areas between the new Main Stand and Alroy Road and possibly on the existing LFC car park site at the opposite side of Anfield Road.
Two large cranes, one located on Anfield Road and another at the Anfield Plaza end of the site, will help lift the pieces into place, something which will probably require road closures.
Aerial view of Anfield
The report adds: “The development programme is based on a 20 month construction programme for the Main Stand with an anticipated start date in January 2015.
“Whilst the proposals for the new Anfield Road Stand are in outline format it is envisaged it will be of similar construction to the Main Stand, with a long span truss supported on steel towers.”
A Plaza area will be created where houses on Lothair Road used to stand and, as previously revealed, an avenue through to Stanley Park will be named in honour of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
The Hillsborough memorial itself will have to be moved from its existing position behind the Anfield Road Stand with the report adding it will be placed in a specially-designed colonnade and semi-secluded ‘memorial garden’ off the main concourse.
The garden would provide seating areas to provide separation from match day pedestrian traffic, whilst also allowing smaller spaces for sitting, gathering and reflection. Pieces of art will be introduced to interpret the history of LFC including the Hillsborough tragedy.
In order to protect the memorial it will be removed at the start of phase one of construction and brought back once it can be positioned in its new location.
An artist's impression of the new-look Anfield, with the proposed Main Stand development in the foreground
The plans for the new stadium have generated major interest, with up to half a million people viewing a consultation website that was created, massively outstripping any previous schemes in the city of recent years.
But the plans have excited fervent opposition from some residents groups, who believe the community has been “held to ransom” and has been forced to endure years of dereliction and decay while the club and council failed to commit to one scheme or the other.
Opponents including the Anfield Rockfield Area Committee (ARAC) believe the new stadium will have an adverse impact on local businesses and Stanley Park.
So far, both Liverpool council and Liverpool Football Club are waiting until the planning meeting to make any comment on the proposals to go before the committee at the town hall next Tuesday.
The main objections to the plans come from a local residents group and the Friends of Stanley Park.
Anfield Rockfield Area Committee (ARAC) states that: “Throughout the application documents LFC reiterate that they have planning permission for a 60,000 capacity stadium in Stanley Park which sets a precedent for consideration of this application, thereby using the application documents as a leverage to hold LCC and local residents to ransom. ARAC is of the opinion that this planning permission should be rescinded.
“The extent to which LFC, as a private body, is able to profit from its business is irrelevant to whether approval for the proposals should be granted. What the club is seeking to do, in linking its profitability to the prosperity of the city, is tantamount to blackmail and is beyond what the planning system allows to be taken into account.”
Friends of Stanley Park believes that the stadium will have a detrimental impact on the park, including the loss of football pitches that are currently there.
It also calls for separate permission should be sought to build the avenue through the park, given it is Grade II listed.
And the group questions why the club has only been asked to offer around £800,000 for works in the park, which it does not believe will cover the cost.
But the report going to planners recommends that the objections be taken into account but that the scheme be approved.
The report concludes: “The architectural approach reflects and builds upon the language of the existing stadium whilst the public realm design helps integrate the extended stadium into the surrounding neighbourhoods and improve legibility within the area.”
The Baggies manager has seen his summer buy come under scrutiny but has now called for time to allow the Nigerian acclimatize with his new surroundings at the Hawthorns
West Bromwich Albion fans have been told to exercise patience with club record summer signing Brown Ideye after the club suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Everton on Saturday.
While former Baggies forward Romelu Lukaku did the harm, their new Nigerian forward has yet to score since making his move in somewhat controversial circumstances after manager Alan Irvine claimed never to have seen him play before bringing the striker over.
He was substituted with Georgios Samaras in the 71st minute of the GAME.
Irvine has now stood up for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, stating that he needs time to be able to match up to the prowess of Lukaku.
While Lukaku moved to Everton on a permanent basis for 28million Pounds, Ideye left Ukraine for West Brom at 10million Pounds.
“There's a big difference between the two of them, there's a big difference in terms of the money straight away," Irvine was quoted by the Birmingham Mail .
“There's also a big difference in terms of what they've had to go through to be at this point.
"Romelu, who clearly has the greatest of respect here because of the job that he did when he was here, is a player who understands the Premier League, he's done the pre-season and he spent last season playing for Everton, so he's not out of condition, trying to understand what is going on in this country.
"He's extremely settled at Everton, he understands exactly what is required of him, the Everton players understand what is required to play to his strengths as well, so it would be really difficult to judge Brown Ideye in the same way as you would Romelu.
"Brown has been one of the ones who has been thrown into the deep end a little bit early as far as I'm concerned but he'll benefit from that as it goes on.
"He shows good things in training and he needs me, the staff, to give him time to settle. It's been a big ask for him,” Irvine concluded.
Ideye has lost his place in the Nigeria squad having been dropped from the long list called up for the World Cup.
His move to West Brom in the highly watched English Premier League was expected to help make way for his return to the national side.
The City centre-half netted a late header to seal a valuable point for Manuel Pellegrini's side after Sergio Aguero's opener was cancelled out by Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez
Goals after the break from Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez eclipsed Sergio Aguero's first-half opener and appeared to have handed all three points to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, centre-back Demichelis crashed home a header with seven minutes remaining to ensure Manuel Pellegrini's side earned a share of the spoils.
The draw casts further doubt over Arsenal's ability to beat the division's other leading clubs, having only registered one victory against top-six teams last term.
There were plenty of positives for the hosts in an enterprising performance, though, not least from Danny Welbeck who almost marked his first appearance since joining from Manchester United on deadline day with a goal when his dinked effort hit the post.
By contrast Frank Lampard was largely anonymous in his City bow and was replaced by former Arsenal man Samir Nasri at half-time to a plethora of boos from the home crowd.
Pellegrini's men showed their attacking instincts to lead at half-time, though, Aguero adding the finish to a brilliant breakaway.
Arsenal moved ahead when Wilshere capped a fine team move before Alexis' perfectly executed volley made it 2-1.
There was time for one last twist, however, as Demichelis met Aleksandar Kolarov's cross, and Nasri almost silenced the boo-boys when he tapped home a rebound from David Silva's shot, but he was denied by the offside flag.
Arsenal started the match brightly, showcasing some incisive football, and Welbeck had his first sight of goal when he swept a Mesut Ozil centre into the side-netting in the 11th minute.
Welbeck then went agonisingly close to opening his Arsenal account just a minute later.
The pacy forward pounced on a loose pass from Silva and bore down on goal before executing a deft chip over Joe Hart, only for his shot to rebound off the inside of the post.
City struggled to gain a foothold in the game's early stages and saw Lampard and Pablo Zabaleta booked in quick succession as their frustration grew.
But the visitors stole the lead after 28 minutes with a textbook counter-attacking goal.
The ball fell to Jesus Navas who raced clear down the right and played a perfectly weighted pass into the area where Aguero got in between the Arsenal centre-backs to sweep home from eight yards.
The away side grew in confidence after taking the lead and Arsenal's defence was torn apart by a fine City move from which Silva saw a close-range shot well saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
City looked comfortable at the start of the second half, but Arsenal drew level shortly after the hour mark.
Alexis and Aaron Ramsey combined well as the Wales international slipped the ball into the path of Wilshere, whose quick feet bamboozled Gael Clichy and his measured finish beat Hart at the near post.
And Arsenal's turnaround was complete in the 74th minute when Vincent Kompany's attempted headed clearance was nodded to the back post by Wilshere and Alexis showed great technique to volley his shot beyond the reach of Hart.
Arsene Wenger saw Mathieu Debuchy forced off with a serious-looking injury in the 81st minute before the Frenchman's day took another turn for the worse as City equalised.
Substitute Kolarov's corner was blocked but from the follow-up cross Demichelis' header found its way home via the post.
There was almost a late twist City twice struck the woodwork before Nasri thought he had got one over his former side with a close-range finish only to be thwarted by an offside call.
Chelsea - Swansea City Preview: Blues sweat on Costa fitness
The Brazil-born Spaniard was substituted midway through the second half of a friendly defeat to France last week with a hamstring problem and is being assessed
Chelsea are SWEATING on the fitness of striker Diego Costa as they prepare to take on Swansea City in a top-of-the-table clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Costa was substituted midway through the second half of Spain's 1-0 friendly defeat to France with a hamstring problem and returned to the Blues' Cobham training centre earlier this week for further assessment.
On Friday Jose Mourinho is expected to provide an update on the condition of the Brazil-born Spaniard, who has lit up the Premier League since his summer arrival from Atletico Madrid with four goals in his first three matches.
If Costa misses out, Mourinho could hand a debut to Loic Remy, recruited from west London neighbours QPR in a £10.5 million deal in the final days of the transfer window. Thibaut Courtois is also expected keep his place in goal ahead of Petr Cech after signing a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge this week.
But regardless who starts, Chelsea will be clear favourites to continue their 100 per cent start to the season against Swansea, who have also won each of their first three matches of the season.
"They are one of the powerhouses of the league," Swansea boss Garry Monk told reporters. "They have quality players over the pitch. When you analyse them, there are a lot more strengths than weaknesses.
"They can hurt you in many areas via different players. They'll be favourites for the title this season. But they'll be a good test for us.
"There's always a plan, every team in the world is beatable. We have to give our best performance in order to warrant winning any points.
"We have to go out there, be ourselves, be confident and hope it's good enough to get the points."
Swansea coasted to a 3-0 victory over West Brom prior to the international break and have kept three clean sheets in a row in all competitions, but have not beaten Chelsea in a league encounter since 1981.
The Welsh giants will be without midfielder Leon Britton due to a knee injury and it remains to be seen whether Marvin Emnes will return to the squad after a knee problem.
Goal Diego Costa COSTA CAN'T STOP SCORING! The Spain international striker scores the equaliser on the stroke of half time as he uses his strength to hold off his marker before powering Fabregas' corner beyond Fabianski. That's a fine header from the former Atletico Madrid man who has now scored in four consecutive league matches.
44'
It's just the final ball that is missing for Chelsea at the moment as they continue to enjoy plenty of possession around the Swansea box. Hazard is the one player who looks capable of unlocking this resilient Swans defence but half time is fast approaching.
42'
Diego Costa has endured a frustrating first half and he becomes embroiled in an off-the-ball clash with Amat. The Swansea defender needs to cool down here as he has already picked up a yellow card in this game.
40'
It's all Chelsea at the moment as they look to restore parity before the half-time whistle. However, Swansea are well-organised at the back and Fabianski shows his good handling to diffuse another dangerous attacking situation.
39'
HAZARD FIRES WIDE! Chelsea are upping the tempo now and Fabregas combines excellently with Hazard to set up an opportunity down the left. The Belgian escapes the surveillance of Rangel with ease but his powerful drive across goal cannot find the bottom corner and rolls wide.
37'
GOOD SAVE FROM FABIANSKI! Costa and Hazard combine neatly to set up Fabregas on the edge of the box. The Spaniard uses his vision to pick out Oscar on the left corner of the area and his curling effort, heading for the bottom corner, is well held by the Polish goalkeeper.
35'
Swansea are looking a threat whenever they come forward and Dyer cuts in from the left before his shot is well blocked by Terry. Chelsea then attack straight down the other end, with Ivanovic getting forward down the right. However, his cross is headed over from close range by Oscar who didn't anticipate the Serbian's delivery reaching him near the penalty spot.
33'
Shelvey is the second Swansea player in the book after a cynical trip on Hazard. The Belgian winger has been the one bright spark for Chelsea in attack so far, with Diego Costa being well marked by Williams and Amat. Schurrle steps up to take the resulting free kick but Fabianski gets across to tip it over the bar.
32'
Yellow Card Jonjo Shelvey
31'
Swansea are passing the ball around superbly here and you would not think that they are the away side in this game. Jose Mourinho looks bewildered on the Chelsea bench; his side are being outplayed by their opponents at the moment.
29'
Swansea have defended excellently from set-pieces and they continue to thwart Chelsea from wide areas, with Fabianksi being offered plenty of protection from his defenders. Garry Monk will be delighted with his side's performance so far, they have been terrific.
27'
Hazard is looking to make things happen for Chelsea and he wins a free kick on the edge of the box, which results in a yellow card for Amat. However, Fabregas' effort strikes the wall and Swansea scramble the ball to safety.
26'
Yellow Card Jordi Amat
25'
Hazard springs to life as he embarks on a trademark marauding run down the left. He floats a cross into the penalty area but Swansea have enough men back to clear the danger. That was better from Chelsea but they are yet to seriously test Fabianski in the Swansea goal.
23'
Swansea break quickly downfield and they win a corner when Routledge's shot is deflected behind by Cahill. However, it comes to nothing as Sigurdsson's delivery is hacked clear at the front post.
22'
STAT: Chelsea have won all three Premier League home matches against Swansea and are unbeaten in the last six league meetings home and away, winning four and drawing two. Swansea have scored just three goals in those six matches.
20'
Terry looks to atone for his own goal as he tussles with Amat to meet Fabregas' free kick from the right. However, he cannot score the equaliser as his header goes narrowly over the crossbar.
18'
Gomis is linking up excellently with the Swansea midfielders at the moment as Garry Monk's side continue to apply the pressure. Chelsea just cannot get hold of the ball at the moment.
16'
Swansea are in complete control at the moment and Chelsea look shellshocked. Shelvey looks to double the visitors' advantage when he finds space on the edge of the box, but he is denied a route to goal by Terry's last-ditch challenge.
14'
CHANCE FOR SWANSEA! Gomis is looking to impress in the absence of Bony and he goes close to scoring on his first league start for the club as he bursts beyond Cahill and Terry all too easily before firing a fierce shot just wide of Courtois' goal.
12'
Chelsea look to respond immediately but Oscar drags his shot wide from the edge of the box. Can Jose Mourinho's side battle back?
11'
Own Goal John Terry SWANSEA TAKE THE LEAD! It's a well-worked goal from the Swans as Ki splits open the Chelsea defence with an excellent pass out to the left for Taylor. This time the left-back gets his delivery right and his teasing low cross is turned into the Chelsea net by the unfortunate Terry. The fairytale continues for Garry Monk.
10'
Swansea are enjoying a good spell of possession at the moment and Ki sees his shot from distance well blocked by Terry. You can sense the confidence running through this Swans side after their bright start to the season.
9'
Shelvey attempts to poke a ball beyond the Chelsea defence for Routledge but Ivanovic reads the danger excellently and makes a crucial interception. Moments later, Swansea work the ball well out wide to Taylor but the left-back overhits his cross, much to the frustration of several red and black shirts who had made an effort to get into the box.
7'
As you would expect, it is Chelsea who are applying the early pressure, with Fabregas looking to pull the strings in midfield. Ivanovic has been in superb form at the beginning of this season and he continues to bomb forward at will down the right-hand side.
5'
Chelsea win the first corner of the game but Fabianski comes through a crowd of blue shirts to pluck Schurrle's delivery out of the air. The former Arsenal goalkeeper has settled in brilliantly at the Welsh side since moving earlier this summer.
4'
SO CLOSE FOR SWANSEA! Dyer is full of confidence at the moment and he bursts down the right wing before delivering a cross into the box. Cahill heads it towards the edge of the penalty area where Routledge is lurking and the Swansea winger cushions a volley inches past the top corner. Nearly the perfect start for Garry Monk's side.
2'
Hazard is showing no signs of his Achilles problem in the early exchanges here as he ghosts past several Swansea players before feeding Ivanovic out wide. The Serbian delivers a dangerous low cross into the box but Wiliams gets there ahead of Schurrle to make a crucial interception. Moments later, Costa unleashes a shot from the edge of the box but it is comfortably gathered by Fabianski. Good start from Chelsea.
1'
After a minute's applause in memory of Lord Attenborough, the referee blows his whistle and Chelsea, in their traditional blue shirts, get the game underway. Who can maintain their perfect record to the new season? Let's find out...
The two sides emerge from the tunnel to a good reception from both sets of fans. Captains John Terry and Ashley Williams lead the handshakes between the respective sides. Today's referee is Kevin Friend.
When these two sides met in the league last season, Chelsea emerged victorious 1-0 on both occasions, with Eden Hazard netting at Stamford Bridge and Demba Ba scoring at the Liberty Stadium. Swansea have not beaten Chelsea in a league game since 1981, though they did win in west London in the Capital One Cup in January 2013, en route to their famous cup success.
Garry Monk makes one change to the Swansea side that comfortably defeated West Brom 3-0 last time out as Wilfried Bony is replaced up front by Bafatembi Gomis after picking up an injury on international duty. Sigurdsson will be looking to continue his impressive form behind the striker while Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge will provide the pace out wide. Leon Britton faces a month on the sidelines through injury.
Jose Mourinho makes two changes to the Chelsea side which emphatically beat Everton 6-3 before the international break. Ramires and Willian are the two players to drop out, with Oscar and Andre Schurrle coming into the team. Diego Costa has recovered from a hamstring injury to start up front while Eden Hazard has also shaken off a knock to continue on the left side of midfield.
SWANSEA (4-2-3-1):Fabianski; Rangel, Amat, Williams (C), Taylor; Ki, Shelvey; Dyer, Sigurdsson, Routledge; Gomis.
Chelsea subs: Cech, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Ramires, Salah, Remy, Willian.
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa.
Without further ado, here is the team news...
Today's clash also pits the league's two highest assisters against each other as summer signings Cesc Fabregas and Gylfi Sigurdsson have created four goals each in their first three games for Chelsea and Swansea respectively. Who can provide the magic today? It looks set to be a mouthwatering encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Three wins against Manchester United, Burnley and West Bromwich Albion have resulted in an ideal start for the Swans, with Garry Monk deservedly being crowned as the Manager of the Month for August. However, in the blue corner, we have Chelsea striker Diego Costa who has enjoyed a blistering beginning to his Blues' career, scoring four times in his first three matches, en route to being named the Player of the Month for August. To put his numbers in perspective, it took Fernando Torres 39 games to reach the same four-goal tally for Chelsea.
When the fixture list was released in June, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is unlikely to have foreseen this game being a top-of-the-table battle. The season may only be three games old, but Garry Monk's Swansea travel to Stamford Bridge in high spirits and in a high-flying second place as they are the only other side in the Premier League to match their opponent's perfect record.
Endlich wieder Champions League... Noch 48 Stunden! Finally, the Champions League is back... 48 hours to go!
