Chelsea explain reasons for Bridge exit

Chelsea have released a statement supporting a move away from Stamford Bridge, claiming legal difficulties will stop development plans.

The Blues have already made an offer to the Chelsea Pitch Owners – a group made up mostly of fans – for the freehold on the ground in what is the first move in relocating the west London outfit.

A meeting is set to be called in late October to discuss the issue between the club and disgruntled fans who are unhappy with the proposed departure.

“The bottom line is a redevelopment adding a significant number of seats needs a site of 16 to 18 acres or more, and at Stamford Bridge there are less than 12 acres,” the statement on Chelsea’s website said.

“The club has worked with several architects firms looking for ways to redevelop each of the four stands at Stamford Bridge to increase capacity.”

“If the East Stand, which was built in the early 1970s, were to be knocked down and redeveloped then there are two significant obstacles. A new stand would have to cantilever over the railway track.”

“Standards regarding safety have changed since the early 1970s. The angle of the current stand is very steep but if it were rebuilt then the angle would have to be shallower to meet today’s standards, with many seats significantly further from the pitch than they are now.”

“The Shed End stand at the south of the stadium cannot be expanded because of the hotel and the flats behind it. Rights to light and shadowing issues also preclude such a development.”

“For the Matthew Harding Stand at the north of the stadium, health and safety rules require that in an emergency the whole site is cleared in eight minutes and we are restricted with Fulham Road being our only exit.”

“Any additional people at the north end would have to go the furthest to reach the Fulham Road exits, so it is very unlikely planning permission would be granted, as we are virtually at our capacity limit for emergency egress.

“Rights of light and overshadowing issues for Brompton Park residents also cause planning difficulties.”

“The West Stand is of a height that is already the maximum allowed by planning regulations, in terms of rights of light overlooking the Stoll Foundation housing.

“The club has looked at tearing down all four stands and at turning the direction of the pitch by 90 degrees but neither plan makes sense because again it should be emphasised that the site is less than 12 acres and it is generally considered that to build a stadium from scratch with a capacity of 55,000 then approaching 20 acres is needed.”

“A major reconstruction at Stamford Bridge also raises issues as to where the club would play during the two or three seasons that Stamford Bridge would not be available.”

Chelsea have not confirmed any possible locations for a new stadium, but have identified 2020 as a deadline to do so.

The club explained: “The club believes that by 2020 all available sites within three miles will have gone.”

“If we are unable to secure one of those sites, and did eventually decide that leaving Stamford Bridge would be in the best interests of the club and its fans, then sites further afield than three miles may be the only option.”

“The club’s objective is to remain at Stamford Bridge or move to a new stadium within three miles.”