The refurbished stadium will hold more than 18,000 people

Rovers have played at the ground on Filton Avenue, which they share with Bristol Rugby Club, since 1996.

The stadium capacity is currently 11,916 - but that figure is reduced to 11,724 once the segregation of home and away fans is taken into account.

"This is a massive step forward," Rovers chief executive Bill Smith said.

"There's still an awful lot of work to be done, but this is the first and possibly biggest hurdle we will have to overcome," he told the club website.

However, both clubs will now have to decide on a temporary home while the Memorial Stadium is redeveloped.

If I were a betting man, I would be inclined to bet in favour of the rugby club winding up at Ashton Gate Bristol Rovers chief executive Bill Smith

The rugby club's chief executive David White has hinted that Bristol City's Ashton Gate ground could be their choice, having already played Bath there in December.

White said: "We cannot be out of pocket but the obvious place for us is Ashton Gate."

As well as rivals City, Rovers have several groundsharing options to consider - including a possible return to Bath City's Twerton Park, where they were tenants between 1986 and 1996.

Smith added: "Ashton Gate is not far away, but let's not be emotive and say it would be putting funds into the coffers of a competitor - and there may be an unacceptably high police bill.

"If I were a betting man, I would be inclined to bet in favour of the rugby club winding up there, which would tend to rule us out.

"Swindon is also a licensed Football League ground and they would love to have us.

Rovers have played at the Memorial Stadium for more than a decade

"We were successful when we were at Twerton Park before, and I know they would like to have us - but it's not a licensed Football League ground and it would cost us more than a few bob to bring it up to the required standard.

"In terms of location, the cricket ground would be the best option, but I suspect the cost of conversion would be prohibitive for such a short period of time.

"Then there is Cheltenham, but I can't think of a single advantage over Swindon.

"There's the Recreation Ground in Bath, but I am not sure whether that would be permitted.