bcfc.co.uk is stationed in Council House this evening, with live updates from the latest important new stadium planning meeting.
Throughout the evening we'll bring you updates with details of all the key speakers and more, leading the to final decision. Keep refreshing the page for the latest.
By Adam Baker
20.30 - And that's it. I'm packing up and leaving the empty Council Chamber. Thanks for reading and goodnight.
20.28 - Colin's video interview can be viewed here.
20.16 - Video interview with Colin coming up shortly on Player. Thanks to Paul Williams, Tom Ford, Martin Wallace and Bobby Tutton for their comments via e-mail. I don't seem to have missed much in the Arsenal-Liverpool game!
20.14 - Colin adds: "We're surprised about the concern on the 106 funding. We are well aware that the North Somerset Council meeting remains vital too."
20.12 - Chief executive Colin Sexstone says: "It's a good result. 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."
20.05 - Reaction to follow.
20.03 - Voting passed: eight vote for, one against (Cheryl Ann). It's been approved.
20.02 - Mark Weston moves towards a vote, to recommend approval, subject to referral to secretary of state. This has been amended slightly via Simon Rayner.
20.00 - Bees adds: "This is an important development for the city. The officers and the club have worked to improve the arrangements. It seems to me what we have met shows a reasonable proposition. We've already added more costs ourselves by asking for viability. If we want to see this scheme work, I don't think we can add and add and add. It's a reasonable scheme." He's going to vote yes, I believe.
19.57 - Fi Hance complains about 'affordable housing' not being fully met and use of 106 contributions from local government. And via Twitter, LornaE says she works in local government and is bored by these meetings herself. Now John Bees discusses the 106 contributions, and the club showing a £30m deficit, with the Council saying breakeven.
19.56 - Sorry Victoria, no sweepstake tonight on the finishing time. Paul Williams says Scott Murray can run on a hamster wheel when he retires to help with the energy proposals. I'll tell him that! Thanks also to Alan Chivers and Paul Boulton - and Paul, Cheryl Ann hasn't mentioned the website tonight. However, last time out she said season card holders don't use the website - what does she know, eh?
19.55 - Query about staff on a matchday from Cheryl Ann. Officers say they would be guessing.
19.54 - Moving towards a vote.
19.51 - Councillor Royston Griffey is concerned about the footbridge planning permission at a later date. He feels there isn't a lot of confidence about it. Also queries North Somerset Council's decision to refuse the access road. Officer says: "We can't prejudice any Council decision on the footbridge but Network Rail have made all the right noises. We are reasonably confident, as we can be." He adds: "Without the Weston access from North Somerset Council, this development cannot proceed."
19.50 - Talk of the local habitat, even though this was approved in the last meeting.
19.47 - Fi Hance asks about the Park & Ride capacity, which is 1,500. Travel by car rate target is 26 per cent. There will be a survey every two years to see if this can be achieved. Officers say: "You can't impose binding targets for all parties, you have to work together."
19.46 - Anyone still out there? Comments - e-mail adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk and tweet me via Twitter.
19.45 - Councillor Cheryl Ann (my friend who says season card holders don't use the official website) isn't convinced by the travel plan. This was starting to look good, hmm. Too many parking spaces reserved for directors, players, staff, press, etc - she believes. What about for users of the official website? Officers say "the right balance has been struck".
19.43 - Talk of public buses and whether this can be included in ticket price. Chair doesn't want to "upset the shoppers" by having fans on the Park & Ride buses.
19.41 - Chair asks for numbers on away fans. Approximately 2,000 is proposed in the top flight. Chair adds about cycle stations. Very few uses cycles to date at Ashton Gate, but the travel plan for the new stadium wants to work towards at least 130.
19.40 - Now talk of City facing Manchester United in the Premier League. I like this! When were we promoted?
19.39 - Just been handed a piece of paper explaining that altered recommendation. Also adds that ten per cent of the predicted energy requirements must be met on-site.
19.38 - It's been seconded about an amendment regarding the BREEAM rating. Now unanimous, so that's a slight amendment.
19.36 - Councillor Simn Rayner discusses the same subject. "Is there a special case over renewables?" Officers: "No, it's the overall viability of the project, not particular technologies." Rayner: "It's irresponsible to dismiss this. It's a large development and has a major environmental impact for a long time. I welcome the fact the developers want a BREEAM rating of "very good" for the project." He's likely to vote yes, but wants the hotel and food outlets to have the same BREEAM rating.
19.35 - Bees replies: "There have been recent announcements about the price gained from renewable energy. Has the dynamics been changed." Officer: "I don't know."
19.33 - Councillor John Bees has an issue with sustainability. He wants energy generated on site. It isn't possible, according to the report, which surprises Councillor Bees. The officers say: "We have asked about this and it's a question of viability. Is it reasonable to insist on ten per cent renewable energy. Our judgment is not to recommend that you refuse the scheme on that basis."
19.32 - Councillor Weston had concerns over travel planning and obligations, plus lighting impact (he's satisfied with this). Subject to the hotel, Weston will vote in favour.
19.30 - A question from Councillor Mark Weston about a plan B if the Park & Ride cannot be used for parking. South Liberty Lane is one option in a private arrangement say the officers.
19.29 - Chris Wilkinson reckons this meeting is boring and making no sense. You're not sat here! He votes yes by the way. Let's hope the Councillors agree.
19.28 - If this is given the green light, then it will go to the secretary of state. He will then decide whether to call in the application in, if not then it's all good with the planning process in Bristol. Just down to North Somerset Council!
19.27 - Now time for the eight Councillors and chair to discuss. Remember, they are: Lesley Alexander, Mark Weston, Mary Sykes, Fi Hance, Jacqueline Bowles, Simon Rayner, Cheryl Ann, John Bees, Royston Griffey. Two members are also members of the Avon Wildlife Trust, it has been declared.
19.24 - There must be some limit on use of the stadium, says the officer. This has been pitched at 30 times a year, where the attendance is more than 15,000. Pre-season games won't be caught in that, obviously. Wrapping up now!
19.23 - A masterplan is needed with regards to the food outlets and hotel at the stadium. That would be for another time though.
19.22 - Talk about the affects of stockpiling storage and flooding on the Southlands site during build, and concerns from the officers.
19.20 - Concludes by discussion on conditions about building on landfill site. Another condition about construction management, if the stadium is given the go-ahead.
19.18 - Someone is snoring near me, honest! We must be near summing up now.
19.15 - Now discussing the planning obligations, such as sustainability of the project. Talk of the extras costs which the club has taken on since the last meeting to sort out the issues pointed out by the Council. Also talk of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), with a refinement on the route - which may need to be reworked if it goes ahead.
19.14 - Residents Parking Zone and Travel Plan is all part of the planning application. Are we moving towards the debate yet? Nope, not yet.
19.12 - Targets have been set regarding parking. Currently there are nearly 4,500 cars looking to find spaces, but there will only be a small increase for the new stadium thanks to the travel plan. There is a ceiling on car parking, with 500 extra spaces. Looking to utilise Park & Ride. New proposals have been explained for bus/coach parking on site - displacing 130 or so car park spaces next to the stadium. The lost parking spaces are found via the Park & Ride.
19.11 - Tom Dicks has offered me a joke via Twitter to keep me entertained. Keep it clean!
19.10 - Mark Newman informs me he is struggling to view the meeting online via the Council website. Is anyone else viewing at home? E-mail adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk and tweet me via Twitter.
19.09 - Traffic, car parking and travel issues now being discussed.
19.08 - Shows details of a footbridge over Portishead railway. It's not to be discussed tonight, though, adds the officer. Now to the second half of the presentation.
19.06 - Tom Ford reckons we'll be home in time for the second half of Arsenal-Liverpool. Not a chance, I believe. Keep the e-mails and tweets coming. E-mail adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk and tweet me via Twitter.
19.05 - He goes over the removal of Southlands, the amendment to the access road near to David Lloyd (one bridge rather than two) and pedestrian access with a big diagram on screen.
19.03 - The officers will now talk through the report. This shouldn't take too long, says the officer Richard Matthews.
19.01 - Councillor Neil Harrison and the Avon Wildlife Trust both are no shows. The public statements are over.
18.59 - Now time for the Bristol Civic Society. "We remain concerned that building on green belt will lead to further erosion of the green belt. We share the concerns of the Ashton Vale Heritage Group about the transport plan. They say to grant planning permission on possibly using the Park & Ride, and if not then it's 'we'll find somewhere else'. People talk about robust plans, this doesn't seem very robust."
18.57 - You can e-mail me your comments to adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk. Alternatively you can tweet me via Twitter.
18.56 - The Ashton Vale Heritage Group speaks about reworking landfill. "It is not without risks but it wasn't discussed properly last time," says their spokesperson.
18.55 - I'm not publishing what Tom Ford has just e-mailed. But in reply, sorry, no I can't!
18.53 - Georgie Bigg of Avon Green Belt declares: "Councillors and officers have invested lots of time in this proposal. The best outcome should consider the whole population, not just football business and supporters. Football is in a precarious position. This will increase traffic, noise, light and air pollution with a long-term impact on the environment. Bristol has a good record of reusing land and it should consider doing so here. That means redeveloping Ashton Gate or moving nearer the railway station. Green belt areas on the city fringes will be maintained to safeguard Bristol attractiveness."
18.50 - Rod Sterland, Hands off Long Ashton says: "We dispute there is any need to use green belt land. There is no viable plan. It is the local authorities who must pay the build when it doesn't work out as the developers pretend. North Somerset realised this when they turned down the proposal. The area cannot cope with the parking. We are not convinced the Residents Matchday Parking Scheme can be implemented as proposed. This stadium would be in the wrong place."
18.49 - The against side starts with Karen Borek, who begins complaining about building on green belt. Wasn't this issue dealt with last time? "Why is this a special circumstance?" she asks. Was she not here in November?
18.48 - One of those against shouts out: "Try having this on your back door," holding up a picture of the new stadium.
18.46 - Councillor Helen Holland concludes: "There have been plenty of improvements following the last meeting. It has galvanised people to realise what this stadium offers to the city. We have a name as a city for not grasping opportunities when they arise. It's for the committee to show, as a Council, we can take steps forward. We've put to bed some of the issues around the site. There is not another site. Instead of Bristol waiting for everything to be in place, we must realise the catalyst effect this could have. This isn't just for the benefit of fans, but also for the local community."
18.45 - An hour until Arsenal-Liverpool kicks off. Will we be out before kick-off? Unlikely!
18.42 - Mark Bradshaw says: "This is the kind of venue we've been crying out for for many years. There is potential for more accessible green space with these proposals. The travel issues are being addressed and the jobs and skills issues too, so we urge to accept the officers' recommendation."
18.40 - Mike added: "After seeing a 6-0 defeat on the pitch recently I'd love to see a 9-0 win tonight."
18.39 - Mike Adams of the Trust says: "I've seen all the attempts before of the club trying to relocate or redevelop. From near oblivion in 1982, we are now just one step from the Premier League. There is overwhelming support for this proposal a stone's throw from Ashton Gate. The club is trying to provide the region with superb facilities. The new stadium will make Bristol and North Somerset a focus for the entire region both for sporting and non-sporting reasons. Local residents will enjoy the new facilities too."
18.38 - Howard Cobb has e-mailed about the North Somerset decision. A date was set for next Wednesday, but this has been deferred to a date TBC. The club are enjoying positive talks with North Somerset Council with regards to the access road. You can e-mail me your comments to adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk. Alternatively you can tweet me via Twitter.
18.37 - Ian Cawley, Landowners (JT Group) and last of the speakers, so say. "Plans for a new footbridge over Portishead railway are at an advanced stage. Southlands housing has been withdrawn, with a large dent to the financials. I trust you will support your officers' view about the Park & Ride being used on matchdays, which is not well used currently."
18.35 - Marie Day of the Trust speaks of the disabled access currently in place at Ashton Gate. "They are at ground level offering a poor view," she says. "Their view is blocked. They aren't protected from the weather well, with views blocked. The only raised disabled area is in the away end. Disabled facilities are cramped with poor access and views. There are no alternatives. The new stadium by contrast would put disabled fans amongst their fellow fans in dry and comfortable surroundings. Please give all people the chance to enjoy equal facilities."
18.31 - Jeff Kirby of Just Ecology says the removal of the Southlands housing improves the ecological side of things. Our client has agreed a long-term management plan for the wildlife corridors on site. It should be recognised our comprehensive programme include not just the creation of a wildlife area, but also enhancement of river corridors, extensive planting of native hedgerows, scrubs and trees with important targets." Targets range the size of eight football pitches!
18.29 - Rob Flower has e-mailed. He couldn't stand another four-hour back breaking meeting this time so is watching at home. He asks about numbers. Not very full here, probably 60 or so here. Don't forget to get involved with the blog. You can e-mail me your comments to adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk. Alternatively you can tweet me via Twitter.
18.28 - Dave Baber of WSP goes through the travel plan, saying the club has made a significant push to move towards pedestrian access, bus access and public transport routes for the new stadium. "The football club is also committed to a new cycle bridge," he adds. Talk of Brunel Way and the new access road into the stadium and improved car parking at the stadium, with Park & Ride utilised next door.
18.25 - Martin Day replaces Miles Hendy. He reads: "We want Bristol City in a stadium that befits our standing as a club. We were delighted at the verdict last time, with 5,000 fans watching on webcast and many more viewing via Twitter and internet forums. We will be waiting tonight to see if councillors will take us closer to our dream tonight. 95 per cent of 3,000 Trust members want a new stadium. We must lay the foundations for young Bristolians to grow up proud of their local community rather than affiliating themselves to places Manchester and Chelsea." Good comments about this being like a penalty shoot-out too - "put the ball in the back of the net Councillers". Round of applause follows, although someone from the other side of the Chamber mumbles 'what a load of rubbish'.
18.22 - Nick Thompson, Nathianiel Lichfield says: "I won't repeat statements on greenbelt that we covered last time. There have been no changes in circumstances. The applicant has withdrawn the Southlands housing site. The club has reworked the pedestrian access proposals, the car parking and travel planning - this is appropriate and reasonable as your officers suggest. The club did look at the sustainable construction and worked close with the Council. Overall we hope you'll be able to approve this in accordance with the officers' report. This will be good for the club, Bristol and the region."
18.19 - Paul Shakespeare, Populous (Architect) explains why sustainable construction is unable to be used at the new stadium - mainly due to costs. He adds: "That said the stadium will contain lots of sustainable energy measures, such as high-thermal tightness, efficient lighting and water harvesting. A strategy of use and recycle has been included in the construction plans."
18.16 - Business West's James Durie says: "I'm here to confirm our backing to the project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, having been chosen as a 2018 World Cup host city. This would place Bristol firmly on the map. It's too good an opportunity to miss. The benefits of the stadium to the local economy - £260m of additional business opportunities, £150m new development in Ashton, and £150m in international business spend with the World Cup. It would a legacy for all of us to enjoy."
18.13 - Mandy Thorpe from the Study Centre goes next. "It seems less scary than last time!" she says. "I spoke about the wow factor of the stadium last time. The kids love Ashton Gate, but wouldn't it be great to take them into a brand new stadium. Our current Study Centre is in a small converted cafe on the stadium site. We are bursting at the seams - but a new stadium would allow us to increase. All our storage is in a shed. Bristol's school facilities are being upgraded around us and we want to be able to emulate. We want to give people in Bristol the chance to fly high. That applies nationally and internationally."
18.07 - Colin Sexstone takes the floor. He says: "I'd like to start by saying how pleased we were that you accepted special circumstances last time. That was three months ago, and the club remains passionate about this project. We reviewed pedestrian access, transport and housing. We have removed the housing elements, working extremely hard to answers officers' questions from last time. This is crucial for the community and economic well-being for the community. We'll bring an improved community football option and study centre in difficult financial times. Look at what is happening at Cadbury's. This project will provide economic growth for small and medium-sized businesses in this region in times of gloom. We will provide hope to youngsters. It will be a facility to be proud of."
18.05 - Don't forget to get involved with the blog. You can e-mail me your comments to adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk. Alternatively you can tweet me via Twitter.
18.04 - "Not taking into account the World Cup," says the chair. The "for the stadium" speakers will go first. They are:
Guy Price, Bristol City FC's development consultant
Marie Day, Bristol City Supporters Trust
Paul Shakespeare, Populous (Architect)
Jamie Durie, Business West
Ian Tavener, Buro Happold
Nick Thompson, Nathianiel Lichfield
Miles Hendy, Bristol City Supporters Trust
Mandy Thorpe, Bristol City Study Centre
Dave Baber, WSP
Jeff Kirby, Just Ecology
Ian Cawley, Landowners
Colin Sexstone, Bristol City FC chief executive
Mike Adams, Bristol City Supporters Trust
Councillor Mark Bradshaw and Dawn Primarolo MP
Councillor Helen Holland
18.03 - "Not here to re-run the application process from last year, when City received a minded to approve verdict on the stadium planning application," says chair Lesley Alexander. "We'll simply discuss the changes that were asked to be made."
18.02 - The Councillors tonight are: Lesley Alexander, Mark Weston, Mary Sykes, Fi Hance, Jacqueline Bowles, Simon Rayner, Cheryl Ann, John Bees, Royston Griffey. Two members are also members of the Avon Wildlife Trust, it has been declared.
18.00 - We're ready to start!
17.53 - The banter is already flying. "Colin, don't throw your toys out of the pram tonight," says one protester as City's chief executive enters the Council Chamber.
17.52 - Below, a pic from inside the Chamber.
17.51 - It's fair to say there are far less people here tonight then there was last year for the previous Bristol Council meeting. Very few fans, outnumbered by those again. In total about 50 people inside the Council Chamber at present.
17.46 - There's no chairman Steve Lansdown at tonight's meeting. He's away on business, but chief executive Colin Sexstone is again leading the line for Bristol City. I'm told there are 14 speakers in total, due to speak for three minutes each.
17.41 - For those interested, you're able to watch tonight's events online it's available free on the Council's webcasting service.
17.31 - Feel free to get involved with the blog. You can e-mail me your comments to adam.baker@bcfc.co.uk. Alternatively you can tweet me via Twitter.
17.30 - Half an hour until kick-off (first football reference of the night).
17.25 - Just like last time the Council's officers' report recommends that the comittee approve the application. That's no guarantee, however, as North Somerset Council proved late last year. The officers' report is 54 pages of fun bedtime reading. I've had a look - to view it for yourself click here.
17.20 - Tonight we're back at Bristol City Council to discuss the amendments actioned by the club since receiving a minded to approve verdict last time. This includes removal of the Southlands housing and various improvements for pedestrian access.
17.18 - If you've missed any of the fun so far, I've handily linked to my previous blogs when Bristol City Council said yes and North Somerset Council said no.
17.15 - So here we go again. Another key meeting with regards to planning permission for the new stadium at Ashton Vale.
