Forest Green Rovers plans for M5 eco-stadium refused by councillors

Forest Green Rovers' plans to build a new stadium off the M5 have been refused. Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects

Forest Green Rovers’ hopes of building an eco-friendly football stadium near the M5 have been dashed - after councillors rejected the plans.

The League Two club had hoped to secure outline planning approval when Stroud District Council met to discuss the proposals last night.

But in a shock move, councillors voted against building the new ground - citing concerns about noise and landscaping.

The eco-friendly stadium would have been made entirely of wood. Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects

Dale Vince, Forest Green Rovers’ chairman, said he was “disappointed” by the decision and that fans would be devastated.

He told ITV News he was unsure if he wanted to “waste” another year appealing the ruling.

Dale Vince said he was disappointed by the decision. Credit: ITV News West Country

Planning officers had previously recommended the stadium - which would have been made entirely of wood - be approved to be built on land near junction 13 of the M5.

But some councillors believed the ground would not provide enough for the local community, and concerns about noise and landscaping were raised too.

What the tunnel might have looked like. Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects

Seven councillors voted to refuse the stadium, designed by world renowned architect Zaha Hadid, and four voted against.