Government green light for BCFC plans
Bristol City Council (BCC) will determine whether to approve plans for a new 30,000-seat stadium at Ashton Vale after the government revealed it would not intervene in the process.
Bristol City Football Club (BCFC) has welcomed the Government Office for the South West's announcement, which means the council will have sole responsibility for deciding the scheme's fate. Planning officers have already 'minded to approve' the development of the club's new stadium, which is set to be given the go-ahead subject to a legal agreement and will replace the existing Ashton Gate venue.
BCFC chief executive Colin Sexstone said: "This is great news and another major hurdle overcome. The decision by the secretary of state to let Bristol City Council determine the application is a significant step forward. "Other important hurdles remain, and more hard work will be required from ourselves and other partners, but this is a huge milestone for us."
The stadium, which has been designed by Populous, is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2012-13 season and is in line to host World Cup fixtures if England secures the right to stage the event in 2018.