A wildlife organisation has criticised Bristol City’s stadium scheme which they say will leave the city’s environmental reputation in tatters.

The Avon Wildlife Trust described the plans as “deeply flawed” and said that bats, otters, wading birds and water voles were all at risk from the football club’s plans for Ashton Vale.

Steve Micklewright, Avon Wildlife Trust director, said: “We have researched their proposals and judge them deeply flawed. If the bulldozers go in, the scale of destruction will be irreparable. Destroying Ashton Vale will leave Bristol’s claims to being a green capital in tatters.”

However, the club has rejected the claims, saying there has been “an exhaustive ecological assessment of the site.”

Colin Sexstone, Bristol City chief executive, said: “The project can be delivered in a manner which mitigates damage to existing wildlife in the surrounding area, and can actually boost biodiversity of large areas of the site.”

A new £90m, 30,000 seat stadium is the centrepiece of the club’s growth plan whilst a modern stadium would also bring the possibility of World Cup football to the city, should England’s 2018 bid succeed.