The plans for Liverpool's new stadium have been re-approved by the local council without any alterations in the original scheme.

The Anfield club had to re-submit their plans, originally agreed almost two years ago, to make sure they conformed to new planning law.

And at a meeting of Liverpool council's planning committee today those plans — for a 60,000 ground on nearby Stanley Park — were once again given the go-ahead.

That approval could have been taken by council officials but it is believed a decision was made for it to go back before the planning committee to allow transparency, and objectors to put their views again.

Liverpool still have major financial problems to overcome, however, with the cost of the Stanley Park venture having spiralled to £160million. Shareholders were told at the club's recent AGM that it could be four years before the stadium was completed.

The club, who insist they are still actively looking for outside investment, have denied claims that they have lost £11million in European Union grants. A decision on that is expected next month.