Yes, Bristol is amongst 12 cities selected for World Cup football. Now where’s the stadium?

If anyone living in the South West has failed to have heard the news, yes, The England 2018 World Cup committee have confirmed that Bristol is amongst the top 12 cities selected for World Cup football.

Bristol’s currently non-existing stadium, will go forward as part of England’s bid to FIFA in May 2010.

Until this point, Bristol City Council are only ‘minded to approve’ the stadium, which would be built on Green Belt flood plains in Ashton Vale.

To secure approval, revision of specific elements of the scheme must be met, including removing some of the proposed housing and improving pedestrian access.

North Somerset Council have flatly refused planning permission to allow a link road, one of the stadiums main access points, off of the A370.

Despite the planning woes, Deputy Council Leader Simon Cook trilled:  “This truly is wonderful news. Being granted candidate status will give us a unique opportunity to show off our beautiful city to the rest of the world. If England is successful in their bid to FIFA next year, we expect that hosting the competition in 2018 will have a huge impact on the local economy and could bring in excess of £250m to the sub-region. We will see a significant rise in employment through construction and hospitality and hosting the tournament will leave a lasting impact on the city with improved transport links and acclaimed international facilities.”