Edinburgh Accies Stockbridge stadium plan backed A NEW rugby stadium with capacity for 5,000 spectators will be built in north Edinburgh after city planners this afternoon approved the contentious proposals. Edinburgh Academicals, the second oldest rugby club in the UK, is expected to begin construction early next year on the £8 million facility. It says the development will secure a future for the club and allow it to continue its BATs community rugby scheme, which offers training to four high schools in the north of the capital which do not offer the sport. However, the bid has been staunchly opposed by the local community and businesses who fear the size of the structure and the nine retail units attached will radically alter the local area. Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council had collected about 3,200 signatures against the plans and said 34 traders opposed the move. Edinburgh City Council planning officials had recommended the scheme be approved but councillors made the final decision at the City Chambers today. They heard two and a half hours of deputations largely from local residents who opposed the new stadium. Former Lord Provost Lesley Hinds, a local councillor and critic of the scheme, had earlier described it as "detrimental to Stockbridge, detrimental to the community and detrimental to businesses." Nick Evans, a local resident, had also urged councillors: "Don't spoil Stockbridge with this over-ambitious project." Edinburgh Accies, however, insisted that the development would secure a future for the club, boost the local economy and create nearly 100 full time equivalent jobs. Colin Innes, representing the club, said that the decision would ensure "long term sustainable investment for sport at Raeburn Place." Local residents had also voiced concerns over heavy traffic on the 20 annual match days. Officials, however, studied traffic around Hibs and Hearts stadiums and said that the transport impact was manageable. Artist impressions of the stadium show a tall stone and glass structure just under the height of the Victorian tenements opposite, with nine small retail units running along Comely Bank Road. On the other side of the structure, facing Inverleith Park, there is seating for 2,500 fans and standing room for a further 2,500. It will also include a club lounge and bars.