Bristol Rovers have planning permission for new big screen at the Mem granted

Bristol Rovers have seen planning permission for a new LED big screen at the Mem granted, over a year after having their last digital display removed as part of the work on constructing the new South Stand.

Bristol Live reported that Rovers had submitted planning permission in May, following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and received a largely positive response from locals, with the vast majority of public comments submitted being in support of the proposal.

How quickly the screen will be installed is unknown but the Gas are set to host Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City in pre-season friendlies on July 30 and August 3, respectively, before opening the new League One season at home to Northampton Town on August 10.

The new screen will be positioned in the corner of the Mem where the South Stand meets the West Stand and can be used as a scoreboard, advertising board, display team line-ups, broadcast match highlights and more. Rovers’ previous screen was sold in May 2023 ahead of the South Stand redevelopment.

In the Bristol City Council’s document confirming the application’s approval, the screen will only be able to be used when the stadium, “is in operation in association with sports matches or outdoor events, or for occasional testing and maintenance purposes, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning authority.” This is in the interests of residential amenity. The full document can be read here.

The screen will be a welcome re-addition to the Mem with advertising boards having to be used as score boards last season which was, at times, blocked to the viewpoint of sections of supporters. It will also add a more modern feel to a stadium that is subject to big plans.

The Gas are hoping to redevelop the East Stand on the back of the construction of the new 3,414-capacity South Stand before then redeveloping the Thatchers End, a process that will take years.