City’s planning application given a ‘minded to approve’ decision
Ambitious plans for a multi-million pound development of a new stadium in south Bristol took a step forward this week, when the city council’s Development Control Committee considered Bristol City Football Club’s application for planning permission. A ‘minded to approve’ decision was taken – meaning that approval would be subject to the revision of specific elements of the scheme.
The decision means the proposed stadium development can move forward, once some specific matters have been resolved in the near future. Once completed, the stadium will be the region’s largest sporting capital investment initiative.
The decision is subject to the following:
- The removal of the Southlands housing from the application.
- The applicant finding an acceptable and deliverable solution for pedestrian access between the stadium and Winterstoke Road
- Consultation on the proposals for pedestrian access
The approval is subject to call-in by the Secretary of State.
The stadium application features a 30,000-seater stadium, incorporating conferencing and hospitality facilities, new retail and community opportunities, outline consent for a hotel and associated food and drink outlets, houses and flats, a wildlife area and flood risk measures and the creation of new jobs.
Councillor Lesley Alexander, Chair of the Development Control Committee (South and East), said: “The committee carefully considered the application.
“We looked at the application and asked searching questions. The committee decided many aspects of the application could go forward but the pedestrian access arrangements warranted more detailed information and further discussion. We also felt that the proposed housing development of the “Southlands” site was unacceptable. After careful consideration, the committee are minded to approve outline planning permission – subject to a number of conditions and more detailed plans and further submissions.
“Today’s decision represents a significant step forward in the overall delivery of a new stadium. The stadium is just one element of the application, the whole area will benefit from its development, with new homes and jobs for local people.”
Bristol City Council Leader Barbara Janke said: “Today’s decision is a real step forward for Bristol’s bid to become a host city for the World Cup in 2018. The stadium is a key element of the bid and we believe the committee’s decision advances Bristol’s stadium plans, as well as opening up new possibilities such as the arena.
“The bidding process is long, and we’re unlikely to know whether England has won for some time. We do need to make sure that the people of the city will really feel the benefit of a bid, and there is some way to go until the business case is completed, so that local people really feel that they will get the most out of it. I and my colleagues look forward to working with the club and others in this process.
“Bidding for the World Cup is a very complex process and the stadium is one of the many requirements FIFA places on host cities. The cabinet will be meeting on 24th November to consider all aspects of Bristol’s bid prior to submission to the England 2018 bid team on the 26th November.”
