Source: PA
Fresh blow for stadium plans
Bristol City`s plans to develop a new stadium at Ashton Vale could be dealt a fresh blow by the local authority.
Planning officers have recommended that a proposal for a new supermarket on the site of the club's current Ashton Gate ground be refused by councillors.
A relocation of Sainsbury's is required to help fund the new stadium but concerns have been raised over the impact on local traders.
In a statement, City chief executive Colin Sexstone said: "[The recommendation] fails to recognise the many benefits this development will bring to the wider area.
"It will bring over £100million of private sector investment and thousands of jobs to the area. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that cannot be overlooked in today`s economic climate."
Bristol City Council's development control committee is due to consider the plans at its meeting on March 2. If the plans are rejected, it will be the second time that councillors have halted the supermarket scheme. The proposals were initially rejected in July last year.
