Newly-promoted Premier League club Sunderland will oppose plans to build houses near its home ground, claiming the development could have "catastrophic consequences".
Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said the club will make formal objections to city council plans to allow construction in a buffer zone around the Stadium of Light.
His predecessor Sir Bob Murray said the local authority previously agreed protections which would prevent development near the stadium in case of a need for expansion.
Sunderland City Council chief executive Patrick Melia said the development "will not impact on any planned future expansion" or the stadium's "ability to host matches, concerts or other events".