Bristol City Council’s Development Control Committee has given the go ahead for the 12,000 capacity Bristol Arena and approved outline plans for the rest of Arena Island.

Two applications were brought back to committee following a deferral last month to allow for additional transport information to be provided.

Both applications received unanimous support, a detailed planning application for the arena building with a public plaza and new access routes, and an outline application for the future development of housing, business and leisure uses close to the venue. The plans were approved with conditions that will need to be discharged before the arena opens.

The new venue is due to be located on the derelict former diesel depot site, close to Temple Meads station.

The Bristol Arena is a flexible indoor venue with spaces for public exhibitions, fashion shows and conferences, and is able to accommodate from 4,500 theatre-goers to 12,000 live music fans.

Work is already underway to create new access routes to Arena Island with work on the arena building due to start later in the year. The venue is due to open in 2018.