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Hearts have issued an artists' impression of the new stand

Hearts have submitted a detailed planning application for a major redevelopment of Tynecastle Stadium.

The club's plans for a new 10,000-seat main stand, which will include a hotel and flats, have been lodged with Edinburgh City Council.

Hearts hope the £51m project, which would increase stadium capacity to 23,000, will begin in the summer.

Chairman Roman Romanov told his club website that they hoped to have the stadium completed by 2010.

"Today's submission of the planning application is a major step forward in realising our aim of providing a first-class football stadium in Scotland's capital city," he said.

MY SPORT: DEBATE I'm personally still wary that this is another smokescreen and won't believe it until i see construction work underway JamboSuarez

"Our plans will bring great benefits to both Hearts and the city of Edinburgh.

"As such, we are hopeful that our submission will be looked on favourably given the added value and economic benefit that it brings.

"In our mind, the result will undoubtedly lead to Edinburgh being home to one of the country's top football stadiums while also offering benefits to those that live and work in the surrounding area.

"We are very focused on delivering a truly spectacular development for our players, supporters, sponsors, partners and neighbours.