Liverpool's Anfield redevelopment application submitted to council

Liverpool have submitted their planning application for the redevelopment of Anfield to Liverpool City Council.

The club revealed plans to increase the ground's capacity from 45,500 to 58,800 in April, including a new Main Stand.

The application is expected to be considered by the city's planning committee later this year and work could begin early in 2015.

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre said: "A lot of good work has been done and we still have more to achieve."

If planning consent is granted, construction work on the proposed Main Stand, and additional work on the Anfield Road End, could be completed in time for the 2016-17 season.

The club said in a statement on its website that submission of the application follows "a major public consultation" in which the "overwhelming majority of local residents, businesses and fans backed the proposals".

The redeveloped Anfield would feature a three-tier Main Stand

Local residents raised concerns about any expansion in 2012 because it would involve the demolition of some houses near the ground.

Ayre, who has been promoted from managing director to chief executive by the club's owners Fenway Sports Group, added: "We said the process would be determined by certainty - certainty that we have the support from local residents and businesses for our proposed plans, that we can acquire the land required and that we can navigate the planning landscape.

"Over the past 18 months, we have worked closely with the community, local residents, Liverpool City Council and Your Housing Group and we are delighted to be able to bring forward a planning application at this stage."