PLANNERS will inspect the proposed site of a new 21,700-seater stadium in South Gloucestershire next week.

Councillors are due to visit land between Long Down Avenue and the University of the West of England’s Frenchay Campus in Stoke Gifford, where Bristol Rovers hope to build the sports stadium, as well as a gym, corporate facilities, convenience store, study centre and a 1,000-space car park, on Friday, May 11.

More than 1,000 people have written to South Gloucestershire Council in support of the plans but the proposal has sparked some objections from residents of neighbouring Cheswick Village and local businesses.

Supporters say the stadium is a much-needed facility which will benefit the whole district.

Steve Gregor, of Court Road Farm in Bristol, said: "I believe this is a great opportunity for the university and the football club.

"Clearly there are great transport links to that area of Bristol and will certainly bring some much-needed revenue to the local economy during the build and after."

Wayne Prewett, of Tudor Close in Oldland Common, said: "I believe this will improve South Gloucestershire’s standing in the country as well as bringing first class sports facilities to the West Country."

But objectors say they fear the stadium will lead to traffic chaos and increased trouble.

Dr Chi Yip, of Tinding Drive, claimed there would be an increased risk of crime and hooliganism on match days as well as nowhere near enough car parking.

He added: "Only 1,000 spaces for 21,700 visitors plus staff/marshals/players is grossly inadequate. Parking will definitely spill over into the neighbouring streets."

Mike Moate, of Casson Drive, Stoke Park, said the area was already home to an abundance of wildlife.

"I object to this proposal, not only because of the noise and parking issues, but mainly because of the effect on wildlife," he said.

"There are between six and eight deer that live on the current site."

DIY firm B&Q, which has a store near the site, has objected over fears fans will park in their car park and Hewlett Packard is currently opposed to the scheme for a long list of reasons but has reserved the right to change its mind.

Bristol Rovers said they would employ traffic marshals two hours before and one hour after matches to help disperse fans away from the area on match days. Marshals would also be used to deter parking on nearby Long Down Avenue.

The council will inspect the site next Friday (11.30am) and the authority’s development control committee is expected to decide on the proposal by June 29.