Bristol City FC took a step closer towards its aim of building a new stadium last night, with the city council reaching a 'minded to approve' decision.
It means specific elements will need to be revised, but the overall project is set to go ahead.
The proposed site will hold 30,000 people, with related work including the building of a hotel, restaurants and new Bristol property.
Leader of Bristol City Council Barbara Janke predicted that the decision - a seven to two vote - will boost the city's bid to be included as a host for the 2018 football World Cup finals.
"The stadium is a key element of the bid and we believe the committee's decision advances Bristol's stadium plans, as well as opening up new possibilities such as [an] arena," she said.
An animated film was recently produced to demonstrate how Bristol could serve as a World Cup city, with the proposed stadium included.
