Tottenham today cleared what could be the final hurdle in their bid to redevelop White Hart Lane after the London Mayor gave their plans the green light.
Boris Johnson had the power to overturn last month's decision by Haringey Council to grant Spurs planning permission to build a 56,000-seater venue on the site of their current ground.
But the mayor decided to back the council, meaning the £450m project can go ahead unless the Government decides to intervene. That is unlikely and would mean Tottenham now need to decide whether to press ahead with what is called the Northumberland Development Project.
The club are also bidding to take over the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games, although West Ham appear to be the favourites to become the anchor tenants in Stratford.
After giving the redevelopment of White Hart Lane the go-ahead this afternoon, Johnson wrote to Haringey Council, saying: "I am content to allow Haringey Council to determine the case itself, subject to any action that the Secretary of State may take, and do not therefore wish to direct refusal or to take over the application for my own determination."