Once a decision has been made the club said it would decide whether to pursue its alternative option to build an entirely new £60m stadium at a new site in Aston Vale or expand the Ashton Gate football ground.

The £40m plan to redevelop the existing stadium would involve replacing the Williams and Wedlock stands to increase its capacity from 21,500 to 27,000 in stages over the next three years.

Alongside the stadium the club also intends to build a new conference, exhibition and entertainment centre for the city.

A Bristol Sport Limited club spokesman said: “While the recommendation for approval is very welcome and a significant step forward in the overall process, it is also essential that the basis on which any planning is granted must be implementable and financially viable.

“This is a major opportunity for Bristol City Council to demonstrate its support for local sports clubs and provide a major boost for South Bristol.

“At the conclusion of this planning process the Board of Bristol City Football Club will be in a position to make a considered choice between stadium construction at either Ashton Gate or Ashton Vale.”