A SECOND attempt to approve a 5,000-seat wooden stadium for Forest Green Rovers football club will take place next week after it was refused permission earlier this year.

Councillors voted against the eco-friendly stadium, planned to be built next to J13 of the M5, in June by a majority of three, citing concerns over noise, traffic and the impact on the local community.

According to a report published on Stroud District Council’s website, the new proposal for the League Two side’s football arena has been tweaked to include increased matchday transport and an impact study on Nailsworth, where the club’s current home is.

The meeting will take place at the authority’s HQ in Ebley, on December 18 from 6pm.

According to the economic impact study, by consultants Hetch Regeneris, moving Rovers’ stadium outside Nailsworth will not have a “detrimental effect on the future vitality and viability of Nailsworth town centre”.

Club chairman Dale Vince had previously hoped the “sustainable stadium”, designed by Zaha Hadid, would allow his team to aim for promotion, and said it would bring employment and investment opportunities to Stroud.

The application also includes a 1,700-space car park and two grass training pitches.

Mr Vince revealed in November the inquiry date that could see his first attempt to receive permission for the stadium, which was lost, overturned.

The appeal is scheduled for February 2020, and if councillors refuse the stadium again next week but a Planning Inspector approves the appeal, it would mean the arena would go ahead and the district council would be hit with costs.

HOW HAS THE APPLICATION CHANGED?

Whilst discussed in more depth below the main headline changes can be summarised as follows:

A change of one-grass pitch to an all-weather pitch with access to local clubs, community use agreement offered.

Revised and enhanced landscaping strategy and landscape masterplan with more details regarding the approach to the landscaping including car parking areas and how the scheme relates to Grove Lane.

The submission of a Nailsworth Town economic impact study

Increased match day transport. In addition to the Stroud and Stonehouse buses, buses are proposed from Nailsworth and a bus service for a trial period from Cam/Dursley station.

The stadium design included in a S106 agreement.

Additional noise clarification.

WHY WAS THE STADIUM REFUSED IN JUNE?

Councillors also raised concerns about noise impact for students at nearby William Morris College, which provides education for students with learning disabilities.

District councillor Haydn Jones said in the meeting: “It’s a stunning design, and I would love to see it in the Stroud district, but on balance it does go against our Local Development Plan (LDP).”

The LDP was proposed in 2015 and guides planning policy until 2031. A stadium was not suggested when the policy was made.

Mr Vince said at the time the outcome was “farcical”.

Forest Green’s current ground in Nailsworth, called the New Lawn, is powered by renewable energy, recycles rain water and serves vegan food to players, staff and fans.