16 September 2010 Last updated at 22:32
Bristol City FC stadium town green application backed
About 200 people backed the bid to prevent new development on the site
Bristol City FC's plans for a new £92m stadium have received a blow after a planning inspector supported a move to declare the site a "town green".
About 200 people backed the legal bid to prevent new development on the 42-acre site in Ashton Vale, close to the the club's current Ashton Gate ground.
An independent inspector concluded the whole site met the legal requirements and said status should be granted.
The final decision now rests with Bristol City Council.
The authority has already approved the planning application for the stadium.
Land can be registered as a town or village green under the Inclosure Act 1857 and Commons Act 1876.
Applicants have to prove the site has been freely used for recreational purposes for 20 years or more.
