Memorial Stadium Update (Paul Harrod)

Memorial Stadium Update

July 17, 2007 1:01 PM

It's nearly six months since Bristol Rovers had their application to expand the Memorial Stadium to 18,000 capacity accepted. Lib Dem former local campaigner Neil Harrison has been briefing Paul Harrod on the situation.

Many will remember the chaos of Horfield Conservative councillor Martin Kerry, who didn't turn up for the Planning Committee meeting and failed to oppose the plans on behalf of local people.

Rovers have not yet signed the legal agreements following the planning decision and they have now asked for an extension to do so. Lib Dem councillors in neighbouring Bishopston, Bev Knott and David Kitson (who did vote against the application) have been keeping in touch with the Planning Department and are anxious that the existing safeguards and conditions are not watered down. For example, it appears Rovers tried to change the condition on noise impact and to extend the opening hours of the restaurant. These changes have been stopped.

Bev says, "We have seen the latest draft of the Section 106 agreement which governs the adaptations with Rovers need to make. We have serious concerns about what appear to be moves to change a range of agreed obligations designed to help the traffic situation. We have urged the Planning Department to resist any attempts to weaken the conditions and we will monitor closely."