Bristol Rovers Sainsbury's store approval recommended

In July South Gloucestershire Council approved plans for a 21,700-seat stadium

Plans for a Sainsbury's supermarket at Bristol Rovers' Memorial Stadium have been recommended for approval.

Bristol Rovers Football Club said it needs to sell the ground to the supermarket giant to fund a move to a new stadium at Frenchay.

The recommendation is for the plans to be referred to the Secretary of State, who then has 21 days to comment.

Bristol City Councillors are due to vote on the development next Wednesday.

If councillors vote for the recommendation the club would move to a new stadium in Stoke Gifford, South Gloucestershire.

It would be built on land close to the University of the West of England.

In July 2012 South Gloucestershire Council approved plans for a 21,700-seat stadium subject to certain conditions.

These include provisions for the local transport infrastructure and the prevention of uncontrolled on-street car parking near the stadium.