Bristol City FC to build new stadium and conference venue?

Bristol City Football Club will tonight put forward plans for a new 30,000-seater stadium and conference venue to the local council's planning committee.

The new stadium would be built on land at Ashton Vale, just half a mile from the football club's current facility at Ashton Gate.

At the moment, the land is designated as Green Belt, meaning planning application has proved a challenge, as "very special circumstances" have to be demonstrated for the proposals to be accepted.

Colin Sexston, chief executive of Bristol City Council, told the club's official website: "If the committee gives the plans the green light, Bristol will take another major step to having the regional stadium that it deserves by 2012."

The club wants to provide Bristol with a sporting, entertainment and conference venue that "matches its status as one of England's top cities". The plans will be put forward from 6pm this evening.

Last week, a planning application was filed for a major new development including a five-star hotel and conference centre in County Tipperary, Ireland
ADNFCR-1752-ID-19442997-ADNFCR

Contact our team