Gloucestershire 'Eco Park' and stadium plans submitted

The new development is expected to cost around £100m

A planning application for a 'green technology centre' and football stadium for Forest Green Rovers Football Club has been submitted.

Ecotricity wants to turn 100-acres of land (40 hectares) beside the M5 near Stroud into Eco Park - a complex combining 'sustainably built commercial offices' and sporting facilities.

Dale Vince, the green energy firm's founder, is also Rovers' chairman.

Mr Vince said the Eco Park could create up to 4,000 jobs.

The project, he said, would offer "sporting facilities for the whole county".

If approved, the £100m scheme would see Forest Green Rovers relocating seven miles (11km) from its current stadium in Nailsworth to junction 13 of the M5.

Stroud District Council is expected to decide on the proposal within the next three months.