Nottingham Forest have submitted updated plans for the redevelopment of the City Ground.
Work had been due to get underway on the stadium last summer, starting with knocking down and rebuilding the Peter Taylor Stand. But that was put on hold, with “delays in the planning process” cited.
The Reds updated their planning application and submitted it to Rushcliffe Borough Council in June, with tweaks centred around the proposed residential development next to the ground.
And they have now submitted updated proposals to Rushcliffe Borough Council, focused on a "sustainable and environmentally friendly travel plan".
A fresh statement from Forest said: "The club have now submitted updated proposals to Rushcliffe Borough Council for a sustainable and environmentally friendly travel plan for visitors to the stadium, including cycle, foot, bus, and traffic initiatives."
Chairman Nicholas Randall QC said: “As we anticipated from the outset, the new stand has been a complex project. The location of The City Ground is one of the many features of our home that makes it unique and so loved by our supporters, but it also provides logistical challenges which have required careful consideration working in partnership with the local councils and the community.
“Like all our supporters, we are keen to conclude the planning process as soon as we can as we are excited about the transformational impact this will have on our supporter matchday experience. We hope these updated sustainable plans will pave the way for a full and final planning submission in the new year. We will continue to keep supporters updated on progress on this important project.”
Forest first announced their intention to transform their home into a world-class venue in a multi-million pound project in 2019.
More than £2m has already been spent directly related to the redevelopment plan, with owner Evangelos Marinakis said to remain committed to the scheme.
In a Q&A with the Supporters’ Trust earlier this year, chairman Nicholas Randall QC said: “It is a huge project for us.
“We think it is absolutely vital for the future of the club that we can upgrade the stadium, and the Peter Taylor Stand, in particular.
“We’ve made considerable progress. I appreciate some people are frustrated, but the reality is we have actually made good progress on it.
“Obviously we want the permission to proceed, but we knew when we made the decision that we wanted to develop the Peter Taylor Stand and stay on this current site - rather than move to another site - that there would be challenges which come with that.
“We’ve had to go through all the relevant stages of consultation.
“We’ve got a brilliant relationship with all of the relevant authorities, including Rushcliffe (Borough Council), and that has helped.
“But I hope the fans realise, we’re not building an extension on a house here, it’s a major infrastructure project.
“The challenges come because this is a part-residential area and it is also an iconic site.
“It’s been a complex task.
“We’ve got excellent advisers with us and we have spent £2m already on the scheme.”
