But although the new ground has been given the green light, the plans will be referred to deputy prime minister John Prescott for his approval due to the magnitude and opposition to the plan.

It is almost certain that Prescott will call for a public inquiry.

If not, and he passes the decision back to Liverpool Council, the final approval will then have to be given by planning committee boss Councillor Lady Doreen Jones.

Today’s decision ends five years of planning by Liverpool for a new home against strong opposition to any attempt to build on the historic park.

There have also been calls for the stadium to be shared by Liverpool with neighbours Everton, but the Anfield club are against such a move.

The decision will come as a great relief to Liverpool, who currently have a 45,000 capacity at Anfield.

The club maintain they must expand and improve their stadium to be able to continue to compete at the highest level with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal – who are building a new home of their own to replace Highbury.

A number of buildings in the Anfield Road area will be demolished and the old stadium site will be turned into a plaza, shops, restaurants, flats, offices and a hotel. The Hillsborough memorial will also be relocated to the new plaza.

But there is still plenty of opposition to the new stadium.

It comes from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Anfield Regeneration action committee and many residents who are concerned about the larger stadium and the 15,000 extra fans who will use the area.