Decision was made public yesterday and already today the club opened a two-week public consultation process. They hope to apply for planning application by the end of November.

Since Stoke City FC returned to Premier League, attendances went high up. What’s more important, season ticket sales exceed 20,000, seeing vast majority of seats always taken. The club also aims to engage the local community and sees progress with number of spectators under 21 growing by up to 25%.

And then there’s the last game’s number of 27,529 people at Britannia Stadium – this season’s highest despite the rival being QPR, not any of the biggest sides. It’s high time to think about expansion, according to SCFC, who released news of filling the south-east corner of their ground (one to the right on rendering below) yesterday.

The scheme includes not only 1,800 new seats, but also improved facilities for fans with more room for catering and toilets than neighbouring stands offer. There will also be a lift allowing disabled fans to get to the top of the stand.

Although the stage is very initial, already one day after the announcement City invited fans and community members to give their feedback on the proposal as part of a 2-week consultation process. Deadline for submissions is Nov 28 and the club are hopeful to apply for planning permission just afterwards, by the end of the month. Works could start and end in 2013.

Photo: Stoke City FC

Photo: Stoke City FC

Photo: Stoke City FC

Photo: Stoke City FC