November 2 – An independent poll has confirmed that two thirds of Bristol residents back plans for Bristol City Football Club to build a new £92m stadium at Ashton Vale.
The poll, carried out by ComRes on behalf of ITV, revealed that a majority of people living in the immediate vicinity of the planned stadium also think it should go ahead.
The city council granted planning permission for the 30,000-seat stadium and neighbouring wetlands and wildlife area in February this year, following a three-year application process.
A small number of residents who live nearby are against the plans.
Bristol City FC chief executive Colin Sexstone said: “We are not surprised by the outcome of the poll.
“The numbers speak for themselves – more than 21,000 people have already signed the City United petition, so even before the results of this poll were published we knew of the phenomenal and overwhelming support.
“The priority for us now is to press on, to find a solution to the village green challenge that works for everyone, and to make the stadium happen.
“We believe we have uncovered compelling new evidence to put before Bristol City Council before it makes a decision on village green status, but it the meantime we remain willing to talk to anyone about the site.”
The development is expected to bring upwards of £150m investment to Bristol and provide more than 6,000 new jobs, all of which would increase if England wins the World Cup bid.
Steve Lansdown, chairman of Bristol City FC, who originally bought the land with a view to building an international standard sporting venue, said: “We fully appreciate that change can sometimes be difficult for local communities, but we want to do our best to be a good neighbour to the local community in Ashton Vale.
“The stadium plans already include a new wildlife and wetlands area, for example, which we hope will become a much-valued new amenity for the community.”