Bristol Rovers must wait until next month before learning if Sainsbury's bid to build on their Memorial Ground home has been approved. Bristol City Council has already given the go-ahead and the Department for Communities and Local Government was expected to rule today.
But Secretary of State Eric Pickles MP has asked for more time before making a judgement. Rovers are ready to start work this summer on a new stadium in Stoke Gifford, South Gloucestershire, on land owned by the University of the West of England.
Sainsbury's were controversially given city council permission to build a supermarket on Rovers' present Horfield site despite a campaign by local independent shopkeepers who said their trade and the wider community would be harmed.
Bristol Rovers ground The Memorial Stadium. Credit: PA Wire/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is expected to make his decision on Sainsbury's bid to build on the Rovers' Memorial Stadium today.
Bristol City Council have already approved the scheme, which would see over 60 homes built on the site and Bristol Rovers move to a new £40 million pound stadium in Filton.
Bristol Rugby to stay at Memorial Stadium for at least one season
Following the announcement that Councillors voted to approve Sainsbury's plans to redevelop the Memorial Stadium site, Bristol Rugby say they will be staying at the stadium for next season.
Bristol Rugby have agreed terms to remain at the Memorial Stadium for the 2013/14 campaign.
The Club will then consider their long-term options over the duration of next season.
BREAKING: Sainsbury's Memorial Stadium store approved
A computer image of how the new store will look. Credit: Sainsbury's
Bristol City councillors backed Sainsbury's bid to build on the Memorial Stadium which will now trigger the club's move to a new £40 million stadium on land at the University of the West of England at Filton in South Gloucestershire.
A decision on whether a giant supermarket can be built at the home of Bristol Rovers is expected later this evening. It's crucial to the football club's intended move to a new ground in South Gloucestershire.
Sainsburys applied to redevelop the Memorial Stadium- which has been recommended for approval. But, as Richard Payne reports, there's significant objection:
The Memorial Stadium could house a new superstore and homes if permission is granted Credit: ITV News
Bristol City Council will decide tonight whether to allow a Sainsbury's store and more than 60 homes to be built on the site of the Memorial Stadium. Bristol Rovers want to demolish it and build a new ground. The plans have been recommended for approval.
