Plans to turn Craven Cottage into an all-seater stadium were scheduled to have been completed in time for the 2003/4 season.

Fulham will share QPR's Loftus Road stadium while the ground is being revamped.

However, objectors have launched a number of challenges against the Secretary of State's decision not to call in the application for Government approval.

On Thursday, the High Court granted the group leave to appeal, forcing the club to delay redevelopment.

It means Fulham will now ground-share with neighbours QPR for two seasons instead of one.

Fulham's acting managing director Mark Collins launched a scathing attack on the residents who he believes are holding up the project.

"It is a disgrace that a tiny minority can spoil the enjoyment of the majority in this cynical way by employing delaying tactics," he said.

"We are all bitterly disappointed. Ultimately we will build a stadium suitable to meet the aspirations of the team and the club."

Work was due to start at Craven Cottage immediately after Saturday's home game with Leicester but is now not expected to be given the go-ahead until the autumn - a delay which the club claim will cost them �3m.