Chelsea moves closer to redeveloping Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s Willian, left, celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal during the English FA Cup third round soccer match between Chelsea and Peterborough United at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017. AP

LONDON, England—Chelsea has overcome the latest hurdle to redeveloping its Stamford Bridge stadium and allowing the Premier League leaders to catch up with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

Chelsea says in a statement Wednesday that the local authority’s planning committee has given permission for the redevelopment to go ahead.

The club added: “The committee decision does not mean that work can begin on site. This is just the latest step, although a significant one, that we have to take before we can commence work, including obtaining various other permissions.”

Chelsea has decided to turn its existing home into a 60,000-seater stadium rather than relocating in west London. That will eventually give Chelsea a similar capacity to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and the new venue for Tottenham being built next to its current White Hart Lane home.