Forest stadium revamp recommended for approval

The long-awaited redevelopment of Nottingham Forest's stadium has been recommended for approval.

The plans would see the existing Peter Taylor Stand demolished and replaced with a 10,000-seater stand, increasing the City Ground's overall capacity to 35,000.

It is due to be considered at a meeting of Rushcliffe Borough Council's planning committee on 26 June.

The club first unveiled plans for a major revamp in 2019, and outline planning permission was initially granted in 2022, but a number of technical updates have since been made and work has yet to begin.

Council documents published on Wednesday say the "extended passage of time" means the application requires "fresh consideration."

Construction was originally expected to cost around £94m, but an estimate from January 2025 indicates this has risen to £130m.

The latest report, however, states the proposed development would "contribute significantly to both the local and wider economy."

Taking into account the structural roof trusses, the new stand would be approximately 38m (124ft) high, making it the tallest stand at the City Ground.

Documents state the development would also provide "improved staff/player infrastructure including spectator, hospitality and conferencing facilities".

In addition, the club is seeking outline permission to build an apartment block with 169 units next to the ground.

A joint statement released on Wednesday said: "Nottingham Forest has been in regular dialogue with Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council regarding the redevelopment of the City Ground.

"The parties can confirm they are working towards the Rushcliffe Borough Council Planning Committee date of Thursday 26 June to consider the application.

"There will be no further comment other than as required by the relevant legal process."

If approved, it would pave the way for the club to buy the freehold of the land which the City Ground sits upon.

Last year, Forest's then-chairman said the club could relocate away from the ground because of a dispute with Nottingham City Council over the rent the club pays.

The local authority has since agreed to sell the land, but the club previously said any decision to buy the freehold would be "entirely conditional" on it being granted planning permission for the stadium expansion.

A number of objections to the development have been raised by local councillors and community groups, including increased congestion in the area on matchdays and a lack of parking provision.

The report recommends the application is given full planning permission subject to a range of conditions, such as the club making financial contributions to local infrastructure.

The club will also be required to enter into a legal agreement with Nottingham Rowing Club to replace its Britannia boathouse, which is set to be demolished as part of the plans.

Documents state the replacement facilities would have to be in place before any demolition work takes place.

Construction work on the new stand would then have to begin within three years of the conditions being met.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has previously said he eventually hopes to increase the ground's capacity to 50,000.

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