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Rather than move site, the Blues will expand Stamford Bridge over the course of a three-year programme that could see the team temporarily uprooted to Wembley.
Hammersmith and Fulham council are set to make a ruling on the proposals on January 11, with the club proposing dramatic alterations to their current facilities, which hold 41,600.
Buildings within the grounds of Stamford Bridge would be demolished to allow the expansion of the ground, while Chelsea have also proposed decking platforms over the District Line and Southern Mainline, which run close by the ground. Additionally, they will construct a club shop, museum and restaurant and café facilities.
Planners have recommended the proposals as they will allow the club to remain an iconic brand based within the Hammersmith and Fulham borough. Indeed, with dedicated tickets set to go to local residents, it is believed that the new ground would allow a younger generation of supporters to enjoy the team, whose average season ticket holder is aged 55.
Chelsea had previously looked at moving to Earls Court or Battersea Power Station, though both options were rejected. “Both were ruled out on policy grounds as the inclusion of a football ground was found not to be consistent with housing regeneration objectives identified for those areas,” planning documents state.
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It is expected that any redevelopment will cost around £500 million and could be completed by the 2021-22 season, with the Blues hoping to secure the use of another stadium for the beginning of the 2018-19 campaign.
Chelsea have already started making inquiries as to the location of their temporary home, with Wembley thought to be their preferred option.
