Bristol City Football Club (BCFC) has been given the green light to proceed with plans for the development of a new multi-million pound stadium at Ashton Vale by the local authority.

Bristol City Council's (BCC) planning committee backed changes made by the Coca-Cola Championship club to the scheme after officials delivered a 'minded to approve' verdict in November last year. The plans, which include a 30,000-seat venue and a hotel, will now be referred to the government to decide whether a public inquiry is needed due to the project being sited on green belt land.

BCFC chief executive Colin Sexstone said: "A few extra things have been added in and we'll have to look at that closely. The positive side is we've got through this big hurdle. There are a few more to go, but this is good news." Revisions to the proposals have included the removal of the Southlands housing scheme, which was rejected by BCC in November, and a new pedestrian access route with footbridge.

Meanwhile, plans for the construction of an access road for the proposed stadium have been deferred by North Somerset Council's (NSC) planning, after BCFC asked for more time to address some outstanding issues. A BCFC spokesperson said: "There are some areas where the club still needs to enhance and clarify matters for North Somerset members, especially regarding on-site parking and Residents' Parking Zones."