Dawn Primarolo MP backs new Bristol City stadium

Bristol South MP Dawn Primarolo has backed plans for a new football stadium in the city, but said she would prefer to see homes for low-income families at Ashton Gate.

The Labour MP was urged to reveal her opinions by pressure group Berate, which is fighting plans for a new supermarket at Bristol City FC's current ground.

The club wants to build a £65m stadium at nearby Ashton Vale but needs to redevelop Ashton Gate to help pay for the new scheme.

Berate spokesman Chris Uttley said: "Bristol South voters need to know what Dawn Primarolo and those standing against her really think about this development.

"A Tesco store at Ashton Gate would damage the quality of life for many thousands of her constituents. It is not right that our local MP, or anyone wanting to be our MP, should sit on the fence.

"We want her and the other candidates to reveal their opinion so voters of all opinions can take this into account at the next General Election."

Ms Primarolo says in a statement: "I would prefer to see affordable and social housing at Ashton Gate. I do not believe there is a shortage of supermarkets in the area.

"Bristol City Football Club own the majority of the land on the site and I accept that they need to maximise the return for the sale of this site, in order to build the new stadium.

"This stadium would be fantastic for the future of our city, and is essential to progressing the World Cup bid.

"It is for members of the Development Control Committee to decide on the appropriateness of this application."

Dr Mark Lloyd Davies, the Conservative's prospective parliamentary candidate for Bristol South said: "At a recent residents' meeting in Southville, I publicly made clear my opposition to the Tesco superstore because we already have a vibrant North Street, Sainsbury, Asda, Aldi and Lidl and two Tesco Express stores.

"I am supportive of the ambitions of Bristol City Football Club, but ask them to think again about shoehorning in a Tesco superstore."

Berate claims a proposed superstore would damage local shops in Bedminster. The campaigners also believe it would add to traffic congestion and create pollution – just yards from Greville Smyth Park.

Berate claims the club has produced no evidence to show that it has sought alternative funding for the new stadium.

Club chairman Steve Lansdown has insisted: No foodstore, no stadium.

The club had originally expected to sell off the ground to a housing developer, but the financial downturn led to a slump in the property market.

Councillors will decide whether to give planning permission to the new stadium at a meeting on Wednesday, November 4 at the Council House, starting at 6pm. The following night, the same committee will decide on consent for a new Tesco store at Ashton Gate.

On Friday, November 6, the city council must submit its bid to the FA to stage World Cup games in Bristol. The FA is asking FIFA to stage the tournament in England in 2018.