North Stand redevelopment given green light

Aston Villa's proposals to expand the North Stand at Villa Park have been approved.

Birmingham City Council's planning committee gave the expansion plans the green light on Thursday.

The project would take the capacity to around 50,000 and is due to be finished in the second half of 2027.

The plans include adapting and modernising the existing North Stand, rather than demolishing it, meaning the club will not lose any capacity while the work is ongoing.

Around 6,000 seats will be added to the stand - increasing it to over 12,000.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has also committed to updating Witton Station, with the club hoping to see more higher-capacity trains to cater for about 10,000 fans on a matchday.

The redevelopment of the stand and area was viewed as essential with Villa Park due to be a host venue for Euro 2028, without the work the club would have needed to consider pulling out.

The council has estimated the tournament would generate around £190m for Birmingham and the West Midlands.