Planners' �1m extra goal for Old Trafford
John Scheerhout
PLANNING bosses are ready to approve Manchester
United's �39m proposals to complete the Theatre of
Dreams - for an extra million.
They will demand a substantial sum from United to
reduce match-day traffic congestion and cash to
promote football in communities near the ground.
Councillors will consider a report on United's
application tonight, which recommends they approve the
scheme as long as the club enters into a legal
agreement which includes sweeteners for transport and
local football schemes.
Planning bosses admit the increase of 7,900 seats at
the ground could result in 2,800 more cars on
match-days, with no additional parking proposed as
part of the scheme.
Instead of providing extra parking, they want United
to contribute to a series of transport schemes
including a new railway station near White City,
improvements to the Old Trafford Metrolink station and
better bus links, according to the Trafford Council
report seen by the M.E.N.
Capacity
Planners want the cash to help fund parking
enforcement and parking schemes to reduce the impact
of match-day traffic on nearby residents.
They also want the club to sign up to a 10-year plan
to improve transport in the area and increase the
proportion of fans using public transport.
The M.E.N. understands the contribution being asked of
the club - one of the richest in the world - is in the
region of �1m, the same amount it handed over as part
of a previous expansion four years ago.
The plans for the ground's north east and north west
quadrants will mean an extra 7,900 seats, bringing the
capacity to 76,300.
The 11.5 per cent increase in the stadium capacity
includes proposals for hospitality suites and catering
facilities. The report notes that the club, council
and other bodies have failed to reduce the proportion
of car journeys by fans on match days.
The last expansion of the ground included a target to
reduce the proportion of cars being used to attend
matches. United spokesman Phil Townsen, said: "It is a
very important development for the club and the local
area."
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