Stadium expansion plan considered

An artist's impression of how the new Madejski Stadium could look

Plans to enlarge the Madejski Stadium, home to Premiership club Reading and London Irish RFC, are to be considered by council planners.

Bosses at the club want to increase its capacity from 24,045 to 38,000.

The proposal involves adding extra seating to the north, south and east stands with a new roof constructed over each stand.

But concerns have been raised over the impact the changes will have on traffic congestion in the area.

Nigel Howe, Reading FC's chief executive, said the expansion was a vital factor in the Royals becoming an "established force in the Premiership".

Reading Borough Council's planning committee will consider the plans on Wednesday evening.