Bristol Rovers’ plan to build a new 20,000 seat stadium on land owned by the University of the West of England (UWE) have received a guarded welcome in South Gloucestershire.
South Gloucestershire Council issued the following statement:
“The Council welcomes, in principle, proposals for a new sports stadium to be built in this area which would bring a range of benefits to South Gloucestershire residents and the wider community. The Council has long-held an aspiration for a stadium to be built in the district and a need has been identified in the South Gloucestershire Local Plan and the council’s emerging Core Strategy; key planning documents which set out the long-term development vision for the area. The Council is pleased that the football club is committed to consulting with the local community before submitting a planning application and any application will be considered taking account of national and local policies and any issues raised locally.”
Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke said:
“Broadly I welcome today’s news. I believe that the new stadium will be welcomed and supported by many people and it seems to be a great opportunity for our local area. The location itself, on the UWE campus, is a good choice but I do have concerns about the local infrastructure’s ability to cope with additional pressures but this could be improved with the proposed rapid transport scheme.”
“I would like to see close engagement with residents who live nearby to listen to their views on issues such as parking and the knock-on effect the stadium may have. I have also been talking with local Councillors Trevor Jones and Bob Pullin who are committed to representing their constituents throughout the course. I understand that Bristol Rovers are committed to that process and I look forward to working with them to ensure that all local stakeholders are happy with the plans.”
More information and related links:
- Rovers announce new stadium plans (Bristol Rovers FC)
- UWE welcomes stadium initiative (UWE)
- Bristol Rovers proposes move from Memorial Stadium (BBC)
- Come on UWE Gas! Rovers reveal plan to build stadium at university (Bristol Evening Post)
