Luton Town's dreams of new stadium realised after M1 project given the go ahead
Video report by ITV News Anglia's Raveena Ghattaura
Luton Town's dreams of getting a new stadium have moved a big step closer to becoming reality after councillors approved the building of a new development to help pay for it.
The Hatters were recently granted planning permission for a new 17,500 seater stadium at Power Court in the town centre but that hinged on councillors also backing proposals for a new retail and leisure park at Newlands Park near the M1 to fund it.
Those plans were given the green light at a meeting on Monday evening, meaning the club can now look forward to the future in their new home - providing they also receive approval from the secretary of state in the coming months.
League One leaders Luton have played at their current stadium Kenilworth Road for more than a century, and have previously tried and failed to move.
The Newlands Park development, which will include bars, restaurants and shops, had attracted some reservations from retailers who fear it will take trade out of the town centre.
It's estimated that the two projects will bring 10,000 jobs to Luton, as well as boosting the economy by £250 million annually.
"In years to come, the 11th March 2019 will be remembered as one of the most important days in the entire history of Luton Town Football Club – as Luton Borough Council's development control committee determined that the plans for Newlands Park should be approved," a Luton Town spokesperson said.
"This momentous decision comes two and a half years after the plans were submitted and following a rigorous period of scrutiny from the Council's planning department.
"We can now all look forward to a future in the state-of-the-art stadium at Power Court, a secure future will give us the best possible opportunity to compete at the highest level and a bright future for Luton, with the club's developments at the heart of the town's regeneration."