23 Jul 2010Bristol City fans angered by stadium blow

Football Clubs News | Football Technology and Stadia

Bristol City supporters have reacted angrily to the local council's decision to reject plans for a new Sainsbury's store at Ashton Gate.

The Championship club are hoping to build a £92 million new home in nearby Ashton Vale, but had intended to generate funding by selling their current ground to the supermarket chain.

However, Bristol City Council's planning committee this week refused the application to relocate the Sainsbury's Winterstoke store to Ashton Gate.

Stuart Rogers, chairman of the Bristol City Supporters Trust, described the planning rejection as a "huge step backwards", but said he believes the new stadium will still be completed.

He told the Bristol Evening Post: "The three words to sum it up are surprise, disappointment and anger."

Meanwhile, Robins chairman Steve Lansdown said the council's decision had left him "incredulous" and "very upset", particularly as the scheme had previously been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Bristol City have played at Ashton Gate, which is due to host a pre-season friendly between the home side and Blackpool next Saturday (July 31st), since 1904.

Written by Mark Thompson
 

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