LIVERPOOL FC officials could not say last night when work on their new 60,000-seater stadium would start, despite it getting planning permission yesterday.

It came after Liverpool council’s planning committee unanimously approved the third incarnation of plans for the club’s new ground in Stanley Park. The plan that was approved was a scaling-down of the previous design, with a footprint 25% smaller, because costs had spiralled.

Last night, a club spokesman was unable to give an official start date for the £350m scheme.

However, the Daily Post understands an initial £60m would allow the club to start land and preparatory works for the stadium, and see the scheme through to the end of 2008.

A statement on LFC’s website last night said: “The club is committed to take the stadium project forward and start on site as soon as possible and aim for an opening for the 2011/12 season.”

The overall approval includes full planning permission for a new 60,000-seat stadium including the Community Partnership Centre, club shop and museum, conference and banqueting facilities and a car park for 970 vehicles.

Restoration of Stanley Park and the Isla Gladstone Conservatory are under way and are scheduled for completion in December.

Yesterday, the planning committee heard from a number of objectors concerned about building the stadium on Stanley Park.

Brian Woodbridge said the way the club kept coming back to the committee with fresh plans was farcical.