CHARLTON will increase the capacity of The Valley to more than 30,000 after being granted approval to redevelop the east stand.

The Addicks were given the green light to add a second tier to the stand at a meeting of Greenwich Council’s planning board.

By bringing the east stand level with the north and west stand, the club will be another step closer to their aim of being the biggest club south of the River Thames.

And plans are afoot to further increase The Valley to hold more than 40,000 fans in the near future.

Peter Varney, Charlton’s chief executive, told the club’s official website: "This decision is vital to the ongoing development of our football club and there is now a clear endorsement to build a new east stand to take the capacity to 31,000.

"We have also made clear our ambition to have a ground capacity of 40,600."

Meanwhile, Charlton have signed French left-back Kelly Youga from Lyon on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old will join up with the squad for pre-season training after completing his baccalaureat – the French equivalent of A-levels.