Stadium for Cornwall plans move step forward

Cornwall councillors voted 14 to 4 in favour of the planning application

Outline planning permission has been granted to build a new multi-million pound sports stadium in Cornwall.

Councillors voted 14 to 4 in favour of the application by Inox for a 10,000-seat Stadium and hotel at Threemilestone on the edge of Truro.

The cost of the proposed Stadium for Cornwall has been estimated at £24m.

Mike Varney, chairman of Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee, said it was "just the first step" and not a "done deal".

"Cornwall Council put money in for a survey to be done and this area was on the top of the list," he said.

"This is not a done deal as far as we are concerned and we will be looking at all the issues raised," he added.

The final decision will be made by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The council said no public money would go towards its construction because of spending cuts.

Rod Lyon, general secretary of the Stadium For Cornwall Working Group, said the whole area would get "a colossal amount of extra income" if it was built.

Cornwall Council said the idea was for the Cornish Pirates Rugby Team and Truro City Football Club to play at the site.

It said the facilities could also be used to hold concerts and other events.