NLP was appointed by the Ashton Gateway Project to advise on planning and Environmental Impact Assessment matters on a site which straddles Bristol and North Somerset.
NLP coordinated two planning applications for a new stadium and enabling development (housing, hotel and restaurants) on this Green Belt site. The new stadium retains its close links with the core of its fan base but provides a larger ground with flexibility to expand.
NLP successfully demonstrated that there was a clear need for a new stadium, no credible alternative location outside of the Green Belt, and that there would be regeneration benefits, particularly for south Bristol.
The Government did not ‘call in’ the planning applications and planning permission was granted by both Councils in 2011.