Spurs aim for new stadium by 2012

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted a planning application for their new 56,000-seat stadium and hope to be playing at the venue by 2012.

The ground will feature a single-tier stand, like the Kop at Anfield, and allow fans to be nearer the action than at other modern stadiums like Wembley.

It will be built adjacent to White Hart Lane, where the team will continue to play during construction.

The site also includes 434 new homes, a 150-room hotel and a supermarket.

Tottenham are refusing to declare the cost of the stadium project, with reports suggesting a figure similar to the £400 million Arsenal spent to build the Emirates.

"We have designed what will be a vibrant area 365 days a year and not a stadium with dead space surrounding it," said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

"Our desire from the outset has been to create a scheme of major benefit for local people and to deliver the most fan-friendly stadium in Europe.

"The inclusion of a new single-tier stand combined with a fantastic stadium design demonstrates our absolute commitment to create the most atmospheric stadium for our supporters.

"Every fan will have an exceptional view of the action and will find themselves closer to the pitch than at any other comparable stadium."

Spurs submitted their planning application to Haringey council on Monday and hope to be in a position to start building in the new year.

The decision to continue using White Hart Lane while the new ground is being built allays supporters concerns over the possibility of a temporary ground share with another London club such as West Ham.

Spurs intend to move into the partially-built new stadium for the start of the 2012-13 season, with the final 56,250-seat venue ready for the following campaign, a club spokesman told BBC Sport.

The capacity of the ground during the transition season will exceed the current 36,000 limit at White Hart Lane, he added.

"The current matchday atmosphere is unrivalled, it's electric, players can almost reach out and touch it," said club captain Ledley King.

"The fans have such a key role to play and I'm delighted the new stadium has been designed to maintain that atmosphere. It's what makes Tottenham Hotspur what it is."

Andy Anson, chief executive of England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup, said he expects the ground to be among those competing to host matches at the event.

"Tottenham Hotspur's provisional designs for their new stadium are very impressive," he said. "We wish the club every success with their plans."

The so-called Northumberland Development Project expands on the current White Hart Lane venue to produce a 20-acre site, bordered by Park Lane to the South and Northumberland Park to the North.

There will also be a new club museum and club shop, as well as two amphitheatres that could be used for community events.

Naming rights to the venue will be sold off to a sponsor.