Bristol Rovers granted planning permission for new stand

The former South Stand was known as 'the tent'

A football club has been granted planning permission to build a new stand, after construction had already begun.

Bristol Rovers said the new stand will have capacity for over 3,000 fans and would "provide enhanced facilities" for disabled spectators.

But some local residents said the building will block daylight into their homes and worsen parking problems.

Bristol City Council approved the plans in record speed on Wednesday.

Construction on the new South Stand at the Memorial Stadium, on Filton Avenue in Horfield, began in July.

The plans include removing the previous modular stand and building a new one with 3,414 seats, toilets, concession stalls, and better access for disabled fans.

The new stand, highlighted in red, will introduce 3,414 seats

But Horfield resident Hannah Donnelly said: "The club has not consulted properly with the local community and this project was rushed through in an attempt to get it ready for the current football season."I have concerns about the accuracy of the light and noise impact reports.

"The changes are detrimental to my living conditions. I feel totally unsupported and let down by this process."

The development control committee voted to grant permission only six weeks after the application was submitted.

Planning applications in Bristol can take 18 months to get from submission to approval, due to an ongoing and severe backlog.

'Positive scheme'

Representatives for the club said that they accept that engagement with residents should have started earlier and that the club has "committed to this as a regular event moving forward".They added: "The club has agreed to financial contributions to improve local road safety and to prepare and implement a travel plan to enhance sustainable transport."

The Memorial Stadium first opened in 1921, dedicated to the memory of Bristol rugby players who died in the first world war.

Chair of the planning committee, councillor Richard Eddy, said: "Only a very small number of properties, and very minorly, are affected by a small reduction in sunlight.

"This is a hearty and supportable positive scheme, and it involves new facilities for the 21st century which the Gasheads and others deserve."

The stand now must pass safety tests before it can open to the public.

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