Wembley Stadium developer, Quintain, has had its planning application approved for the 42-acre site adjacent to the stadium, which will include a leisure, retail and cinema complex.

The Wembley Park Boulevard will also feature a luxury hotel, bars and restaurants and a number of designer and sports shops.

The application was approved by the Brent Council after a six-month consultation period, and will now be sent to the Mayor of London for final approval.

The Wembley Stadium is also nearing the completion of its most complicated phase, the raising of the arch.

Reaching 133m in height and weighing 1,750 tonnes, the arch spans 315m across and can be seen from as far away as Canary Wharf.

It will be the world’s biggest single span roof structure and will support the entire weight of the north roof and the most of the south and retractable roofs.

The lift began 28 May and is due to reach completion within six weeks.