Is this it for Gibraltar? Unanimous support by the planning department surely seems to indicate it! Outline planning permission was issued yesterday, the 8,000-capacity stadium is closer to fruition.

It was exactly on June 21 that the planning application was filed, which means yesterday's planning permission comes timely, as anticipated. It's just an outline permission, which means further planning is necessary for final approval, however that should go smoothly now, providing the investor stays on track.

Crucial issues like the height and light pollution of the proposed UEFA Category 4 stadium at Victoria, important due to its proximity to the airport, are now settled. Traffic accommodations still need to be looked into, because the stadium lies beside main road connecting the city and aforementioned airport.

Before the successor is built, nests of swifts have to be moved from the current ground to a safe location, then possible ground water contamination should be checked and any archeological discoveries should be recorded.

However, we're not at that point just yet. First, additional planning is needed. Second, the current Victoria Stadium was asked by authorities to remain in its current state until after the upcoming Island Games, to be held in July of 2019. Only then construction will follow.

Interestingly, when built, the stadium is likely to become the most intensively used venue worldwide. Just like the current one, it's expected by the Gibraltar FA to host all league games and internationals, which ends up at roughly 150 fixtures annually, while regular football venues often take 20-30 games.