West Ham’s take over of the Olympic Stadium after next year’s games today won government backing.

Local government minister Bob Neill and Olympics minister Hugh Robertson made the announcement in a joint statement.

They gave their approval to the recommendation of the Olympic Park Legacy Company to select the club’s joint bid Newham Council as the preferred one.

With this backing, the Legacy Company are now able to negotiate a lease for the Olympic Stadium site with the newly-created Stadium Company.

The statement said the deal will be “on terms that are acceptable to Government and the Mayor of London and provide value for money to the public sector.”

The statement ended: “We are delighted with the progress that has been made and very pleased we have reached this very significant milestone in determining the long term legacy for the Olympic Park following the Games.”

Under the proposal seating will be reduced from 80,000 to 60,000.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: “We are pleased the Government has recognised the strength of our bid, which is focused on guaranteeing community benefits for our residents and contributing to a meaningful legacy for east London, the capital and the country.

“We are working with our partners West Ham United on the commercial aspects of our joint bid and look forward to a handover of contracts later this year with the Olympic Park Legacy Company.”