Championship rugby club London Irish has been given the all-clear to move into Brentford FC’s new stadium, which is due to be complete by the start of the 2019/20 season.

London Irish has been in talks with the football club for a number of months over a groundshare, and the London Borough of Hounslow has now approved the move.

Bob Casey, chief executive of London Irish, said the decision was a “step towards a return to our roots in London”.

“London Irish share common values and a community ethos with Brentford FC which augurs well for a future commercial relationship,” he added.

The club had been playing its home matches at Reading FC Madejski Stadium since 2000, but has been trying to find a route back to the capital since.

In a separate statement, Brentford FC said: “Brentford Football Club very much welcomes this positive decision to allow rugby to be played at the new stadium.

“Progress on the implementation of the Brentford Community Stadium project is continuing apace and physical works are expected to commence on the Lionel Road South site shortly. The stadium is due to be completed by the 2019/20 season.”

AFL Architects have designed the new venue.