The protesters lining up against Bristol City's stadium plan

Eighteen pressure groups and bodies have objected to the stadium plans for a wide range of reasons.

But the issue which concerns them the most is the loss of green belt land.

Bristol Civic Society, for example, says that it does not object in principle to a new stadium.

But it says: "Any loss of green belt is not preferred and the scheme should not form a trigger to further erode the green belt."

The Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society says: "The proposal would result in urban sprawl."

And the Bristol Naturalists' Society says: "The proposal would result in the loss of green belt and sets a precedent for erosion of the green belt."

One of the objectors is the Avon Wildlife Trust which is worried about the impact that a new stadium would have on wildlife in the area.

Steve Micklewright, one of the trust's directors, told the Evening Post: "The reason we are objecting is because the stadium would have such a major impact on wildlife.

"It's not so much about the stadium but all the other bits and pieces which affect valuable marshlands nearby and are so important to wildlife.

"We are also worried because the plan flies in the face of the council's policy on protecting wildlife. This again is something which is not acceptable to us."

The Parish Council's Airport Association is worried that a new stadium would lead to more night flights from Bristol International Airport.

Ashton Vale Heritage Group objects on a number of issues, including loss of green belt, saying: "The application does not adequately demonstrate that the existing stadium site cannot be redeveloped."

The Open Spaces Society, Whitchurch Action Group and Save Siston and Warmley Green Spaces all object on the grounds of loss of green belt land.

Among other objectors are Protect Whitchurch Greenbelt Alliance; Hands Off Long Ashton; the Transport for Greater Bristol Alliance; The Campaign Against Urban Sprawl; Bristol Parks Forum; Hotwells and District Allotments Association; Bristol Friends of the Earth; the Greater Bedminster Community Partnership; Long Ashton Parish Council; Barrow Gurney Parish Council.

A petition with nearly 6,000 signatures was signed in favour of the new stadium while an e-petition with 450 names was also in support.

Two petitions were submitted against the plan, an e-petition with 295 names and a petition with 35 names from residents in Parsonage and Glebe Road.

A total of 692 individuals sent in individual responses – 49 per cent were in support and 51 per cent were against.