Leicester City’s King Power Stadium has been officially listed as an “asset to the community” in a move by the club’s supporters’ trust.

The Foxes Trust, which represents the interests of fans, said it was “delighted” by Leicester City Council’s decision to approve its application.

Under new legislation which came in with the 2011 Localism Act, an asset of community value status is designed to protect certain buildings that are important to communities.

In the case of Leicester City, whose spiritual home has been the King Power – formerly the Walkers – Stadium since the club left Filbert Street in 2002, it would apply a “pause” to any plans to sell the land.

This idea is to allow the communities time to put together a bid to buy it themselves.

Foxes Trust chairman Ian Bason said: “The decision to list the stadium reduces the fear of any football fan – that the club they have supported all their life is suddenly moved to another location.

“It happened at Wimbledon many years ago and, more recently, at Coventry.

“Such decisions give scant regard to how they affect the lifeblood of a club – its fans.

“We have no reason to believe that the current owners, King Power, have plans to sell the stadium or club.

“However, we believe listing the stadium not only protects the stadium but also opens up a pathway to dialogue with any new potential owners.”

The King Power joins Old Trafford, Anfield and Ipswich Town’s Portman Road as stadia successfully listed by supporters’ trusts.

The Foxes Trust was set up as part of a consortium that took Leicester City out of administration 10 years ago.