Wembley £2.5bn development approved despite safety concerns

Almost 5,000 homes will be built beside the national stadium

Plans to build a £2.5bn development beside Wembley Stadium in north-west London have been approved despite claims it could jeopardise fan safety.

Brent Council said the regeneration scheme, which will see new homes, a GP surgery and a school built, will create "much needed homes... and facilities".

But The FA have accused the council of treating people who visit the national stadium as "an afterthought".

Developers Quintain insist it creates "a safe and enjoyable experience".

The plans will see almost 5,000 new homes built as well as a seven-acre park with a lake.

'Rushed decision'

A spokesperson for Brent Council said the development would "accelerate the transformation of Wembley" and provide "the significant regeneration which the area needs".

The developers also predict the project will create 7,000 jobs and provide £140m towards local infrastructure spending.

However, the FA has accused Brent Council of making a "rushed decision" which "jeopardises Wembley as the national stadium".

A spokesperson said football bosses were "completely behind the regeneration of Brent" but wanted to find an "alternative solution that will give a better and safer fan experience".

Quintain said it had been "building at Wembley since 2002" and would continue to "work in close partnership" with the relevant organisations to ensure safety.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has the option to call the plans in for a public inquiry.

A school, GP surgery and lake would be added to the area