Work on the new stadium is hoped to begin in January 2013 with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2014.

Rovers chairman Nick Higgs said: “We are obviously delighted with this decision but it’s only half-time in this cup final.

“It’s crucial that planning consent is given for the supermarket.”

Rovers signed land deals with Sainsbury’s and the University of the West of England to pave the way to build a new stadium several months ago.

Under the deal Sainsbury’s has agreed to buy the football’s club’s Memorial Stadium ground to build a huge supermarket.

This will help to finance construction of the 20,000 seater stadium on land near the University’s Frenchay Campus.

Together the proposals represent a construction investment of £60m.

The UWE will lease the land to the club and get access for students to club facilities and media room on non-match days. Students will also have the chance to buy discounted match tickets.

The new ground will be called the UWE Stadium and will include banqueting and hospitality suite, convenience store, gym, jogging track and teaching space for the University.

Sainsbury’s proposal at the Memorial Stadium site includes a store, work space, community facilities, homes and ample parking.