THE long-awaited new football stadium for Worcester City has taken a major step forward.

Worcester City Council has backed proposals to change the Local Plan to include a new football stadium for Worcester City Football Club on Nunnery Way.

Despite opposition from nearby residents, the majority of councillors voted in favour of allocating land for the 6,000-seater ground and the retail units needed to fund the project.

This goes against advice from the director of development services, Stuart McNidder, who has consistently recommended that the authority refuses the plans.

The final decision will be made after a public inquiry by an independent Government planning inspector, which is being held in May.

The city council has received 42 letters of objection from groups, including Wychavon District Council and Whittington Parish Council, and individuals, citing concerns including traffic, parking, the impact the new stores would have on city centre businesses and the adverse environmental effect.

The council's approval is subject to 18 conditions, including implementing a green transport plan, having a high standard of design and keeping the amount of retail development needed to fund the ambitious scheme to a minimum.