Bristol Rovers FC are consulting residents on plans for student flats

Bristol Rovers Football Club is consulting residents on new plans to build student flats near the Memorial Stadium.

The proposals include creating accommodation for 350 students in a six-storey building adjacent to the stadium.

The East and North Stands will also be upgraded, increasing the stadium’s capacity from 12,534 to approximately 17,000.

Chairman Hussain AlSaeed said: “Honesty and transparency with our supporters and neighbors is a critical aspect of this journey as we look to improve the infrastructure of the Memorial Stadium and our training ground.

Two meetings have been held with residents to discuss the plans, but an application has not been submitted to Bristol City Council, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“We are committed to developing our stadium into a vibrant and welcoming ground for fans of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life,” Mr AlSaeed said.

“I hope those attending the meetings felt they were able to share their thoughts and opinions in open conversation and understand that this round of meetings was a first step in an ongoing process.”

Retrospective permission was later granted by councillors.

Rovers had previously planned to move to a new ground at the Fruit Market in St Philips but this was called off.

Green councilor Emma Edwards, who represents Bishopston and Ashley Down, said: “We are pleased to see that they (the club) are keen to get the views of residents before developing these plans further.

“Since the development of the South Stand last year, we have listened to residents’ concerns and worked hard to improve the way the club engages with the community.”