Rovers home ‘noisy’ stand work irk neighbors

Article posted by Coliseum, August 9^th, 2023

Image: Bristol Rovers

People living near to a football stadium have complained that construction on a new stand has begun before plans are approved.

‘BBC NEWS’ stated that the League One club Bristol Rovers F.C. is replacing its South Stand at their residence – the Memorial Stadium in Bristol, England (UK) – with new under cover seats.

The Bristol Rovers Football Club is a professional football club in Bristol, England (UK). They compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system. The club’s official nickname is ‘The Pirates’, reflecting the maritime history of Bristol.

The 12,300-capacity Memorial Stadium, also commonly known by its previous name of the Memorial Ground, is a sport ground in Bristol, England (UK), and is the home of Bristol Rovers F.C.

‘BBC NEWS’ further stated that the Council has advised the club that no work should take place before permission is granted.

The new South Stand will include 3,425 seats, and Rovers initially said it would be ready before the new season.

But with the first home game on August 12^th, work is likely to last much longer, raising questions for fans who have already bought tickets for the new seats.

‘A Noisy Process’

The pending planning application is attracting a large number of public objections as well as some supporters.

Writing to the Council’s Planning Department, one resident said, “There has not been sufficient consideration to the impact on the community and infrastructure from construction and the increased capacity. Beginning construction before even consulting neighbors is a clear indication that any concerns will be ignored regardless.”

Another resident added, “The development was underway long before permission was sought. It has been a noisy process that has caused issues for neighbors.”

But several supporters also wrote to the Council saying the works should be allowed to take place.

They said the upgrades would help the ground get back up to its capacity to the pre-pandemic level, which would also provide a boost for the local businesses.

One supporter said, “The added traffic would have been the same pre-COVID so no detriment or new experience to the residents who moved next to a football stadium that has been there over 100 years.”

The plans will most likely go to a development control committee at the Council, where the Councilors will vote on whether to approve or refuse permission.

If the Councilors refuse permission, and Rovers have carried on building the stand, the Council could order the club to take it down.

A spokesperson for the Bristol City Council said, “A planning application is under consideration. The planning enforcement team have advised that works should not take place without the required planning permission in place.”

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