Cambridge City football stadium at Sawston backed by planners

Artist's impression of the proposed stadium near Sawston

A new football stadium for Cambridge City has been given the green light.

South Cambridgeshire District Council's planning committee voted unanimously for the ground to be built at Sawston.

The Calor League Premier Division side currently shares a ground with Histon after moving out of their Milton Road home last year.

Because the development would be in the green belt, the final decision on whether it can be built will be made by the government.

The stadium, off Babraham Road, had originally been recommended for rejection by planning officers because of its green belt location.

'Massive step forward'

Babraham Parish Council also objected over traffic concerns and ecology experts warned the stadium could result in a significant loss of woodland.

The plans include a 3000-capacity stadium with a floodlit grass pitch and a floodlit 3G pitch alongside it for training.

A separate floodlit recreation ground would also be created, which the club would then gift to Sawston Parish Council for community use.

Cambridge City tweeted that the backing was "superb news" and a "massive step forward" for the club.

The club moved out of its city centre ground in April 2013 after it was sold for housing.