White House ballroom plans approved

In a 9-1 vote, a federal planning agency has cleared the way for the largest structural change to the White House in over 70 years.

The proposed ballroom, to be located on the site of the former East Wing, is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 guests for state functions.

Opponents of the project argue that the massive construction violates federal preservation laws and alters the historic character of the landmark.

While the planning commission's approval is a significant victory for the administration, ongoing legal challenges in federal court could still delay the project's completion.