Bristol Rovers' bid for a mixed-use development at their current stadium, has been approved by the government, according to the BBC.

The plan includes a 21,700-seat stadium, a supporter's bar, a club shop, hospitality suites, a gym and retail facilities.

Earlier this year, Bristol City Council backed plans to allow Sainsbury's to build a supermarket on the Memorial Ground site.

Now, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has approved the planning application, a statement on the club's website from Chairman Nick Higgs, said: "I am pleased to confirm that Bristol City Council have been informed by the Secretary of State that he has approved the decision to grant planning permission to J Sainsbury’s for a mixed use development on our existing site.

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"This is great news as we move one step closer to making a reality of our dream for a new stadium a the UWE Campus."

Sainsbury’s proposal at the Memorial Stadium site includes a store, work space, community facilities, homes and parking.

In addition to the above, almost 2,000sq metres of teaching space has been set aside for the University of West England (UWE). The football club needs to sell its current ground to the supermarket in order to fund the new stadium at the UWE site.

Mr Higgs added that work was expected to begin in the summer, pending s106 agreements with Sainbury's and a three-month judicial review period.

Buckingham Group is understood to be in negotiations with Bristol Rovers about building the next stadium.

(JP)