Planning permission granted for new South Stand at Memorial Stadium

Bristol Rovers have been granted planning permission for a new stand at the Memorial Stadium after their application was fast-tracked to a committee of city councillors.

The new South Stand will have capacity for more than 3,000 fans, but local residents say the structure will block daylight into their homes and worsen parking problems.

In a statement after permission was granted, Rovers said they are “delighted” and that the decision “marks a significant step forward”.

“The South Stand will modernise the stadium, and with your help continue to add to that infamous (sic) atmosphere that the Memorial Stadium is known for. As a result, it benefits those on the pitch and in the stands.”

The club statement does say, however, “that engagement with the residents should have started earlier” and that Rovers are “committed to this as a regular event moving forward. We would like to thank the local community, fans and councillors who have supported this project and helped bring it to life.”

Bishopston & Ashley Down councillor, Emma Edwards, who had been roundly criticised by many Rovers fans for “calling in” the original planning application before Rovers withdrew that and submitted a new one, said that she is “happy for the club and the fans at this decision”.

But Edwards, also the leader of the Green group on Bristol City Council, said that “while there are clear benefits, as a ward councillor my primary job is to represent residents, some of whom have been treated appallingly throughout this process and whose valid frustrations have been used to score cheap political points”.

Edwards said: “While this application has been approved, councillors from across the chamber expressed their disappointment in the lack of community engagement from the club.

“Going forward, I hope that the club honours its promises to improve engagement with local residents and fulfils the obligations it has promised to the community.”

Construction has been taking place since the summer on the new stand, which now must pass safety tests before it can open to the public, potentially in December. Bristol City Council approved permission in record speed, fast-tracking the application.

The plans are for a new stand with 3,414 seats, new toilets, concession stalls and better access for disabled fans.

The development control A committee voted to grant permission on Wednesday,only six weeks after the application was submitted.

Planning applications in Bristol can take 18 months to get from submission to approval, due to an ongoing and severe backlog.

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Read more: ‘The Green Party’s approach to City and Rovers’ plans raises concerns for the future’

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Speaking to the committee, local resident Chris Walker said that the Memorial Stadium is “unbelievably dilapidated and run down” and “it’s about time it’s allowed to develop”.

Kevin Hunt, representing the football club, said that “the noise assessment and daylight study both demonstrate that there will be no material impact on the neighbouring residents”.

But some local residents, particularly living on Alton Road behind the South Stand, fear the plans will lead to a loss of daylight and exacerbate existing parking issues.

They also criticised Rovers for poor consultation with neighbours – as the club initially began construction without first getting planning approval – as well as other issues with the application.

Hannah, an Alton Road resident who did want to give her surname, said: “The club has not consulted properly with the local community and this project was rushed through in an attempt to get it ready for the current football season.

“The initial number of objections was much higher but the council removed and erased them from the system for the re-submission of the application.

“I have concerns about the accuracy of the light and noise impact reports. They do not seem correct and neither expert visited my home. A 25 per cent reduction in light was reported as ‘minor, and that is not minor to me.

“The changes are detrimental to my living conditions. I feel totally unsupported and let down by this process.”

The South Stand under construction as seen from Alton Road in September – photo: Martin Booth

Questions were raised about several late documents submitted the morning of the committee meeting, which Green councillor Fi Hance said seemed “a bit iffy”.

But planning officers said the new documents were only minor updates and revisions, and were improvements on previous plans.

All but one councillor sitting on the committee voted to approve planning permission, while expressing dismay at the lack of public consultation with local residents. Green councillor Paula O’Rourke abstained from voting, and urged the committee to visit the site before deciding.

Conservative Richard Eddy, chair of the committee, said: “Only a very small number of properties, and very minorly, are affected by a small reduction in sunlight. That to me is a positive sign, of course.

“This is a heartily and supportable positive scheme, and it involves new facilities for the 21st century which Gasheads and others deserve.”

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Read next:

• Support floods in for Rovers’ new plans for South Stand
• Rovers promise to work closer with local residents as new stand continues to take shape
• Rovers CEO says there have been ‘frustrations’ with South Stand
  
• ‘Labour are using Bristol Rovers’ new stand as a political football’

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