Planning for new stadia is often a controversial issue. Whether it is the national stadium or a local football club, the subject needs to be handled with care and the planning process is one of the key hurdles to cross.

Given the size of site required it will not always be possible to redevelop existing stadia in situ or even develop new stadia within urban areas. Many will look to the urban fringe as an appropriate location, but planning either route can be tough.

Government guidance requires a strategic approach to the identification of need for stadia and site selection so that new developments can be achieved in a way which meets sustainable development objectives.

A brownfield site within an urban area will always be preferable to a greenfield site and following the departure of Wimbledon FC, now the Milton Keynes Dons, from its traditional home in 2003, the government’s desire is for football teams to remain within the traditional area they serve. But finding, let alone developing, appropriate brownfield sites can prove difficult.

While Arsenal has managed to develop Ashburton Grove, close to Highbury, the cost of moving locally has been £400m and the complexity of the project has resulted in delays.

Redeveloping an existing stadium is equally contentious. Generally these are located in residential areas and can generate local opposition as the stadium is seen as a blight on domestic lives and house prices.

While greenfield sites may seem less problematic, they are often subject to environmental issues, as Brighton FC found out. Although John Prescott overruled the advice of two planning inspectors and gave permission for a 22,000-seat stadium in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the adjoining council has challenged the decision.

Often key considerations in any stadia planning application are the contributions the proposal can make towards urban regeneration and the provision of community benefits. Key to the success of the proposed expansion of the East Stand at Charlton Athletic FC was the provision of educational and community facilities.

Political support is clearly a factor but councils face difficult choices. Local authorities appreciate the prestige and economic benefits a club can bring to an area but cannot be indifferent to local opposition.

New stadia provided in recent years have been principally for professional football, with the new Wembley stadium and Arsenal’s new stadium at Ashburton Grove the highest profile. However, with the growing exposure and popularity of rugby league and rugby union, athletics and cricket, it is likely that most of the future demand for stadia and the inevitable planning issues that arise, will come from these sports.