Fulham have
had plans approved to extend the capacity of their Craven Cottage ground to
30,000.

A London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham hearing has confirmed the club can
refurbish its Riverside Stand.

Fulham will also open the riverside walk from Putney to Hammersmith for the
first time in recent history.

"It is vital that the club is given every opportunity to
develop the facilities available," said Cottagers chief executive Alistair
Mackintosh.

Mackintosh added: "This is extremely exciting news and we are all delighted
with this outcome.

"I am confident that an increased capacity and major improvements to the
facilities can help us deliver the chairman's vision of long-term growth and
self sustainability for this football club."

Fulham's current capacity is 25,700 and until as recently as the 2001-02
season, contained areas of terracing for standing supporters.

The Riverside Stand backs onto the Thames and a recent poll of local
residents revealed 91% were in favour of the stand being redeveloped.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19009781