Members also voted to reject the proposals of two private developers for a multi-sports complex at Ormeau Park.

The decisions ratified the recommendations made last month by the council’s Parks and Leisure committee.

Committee chair Bob Stoker last night made clear that Ormeau Park was still on the table as a possible venue for a council-backed stadium.

He said it would now be reconsidered with all the other possible locations in Belfast.

A Sinn Fein amendment to take the proposal back to committee for further discussion was conclusively defeated in a vote.

Councillor Paul Maskey had argued that the continuing uncertainty surrounding the stadium issue did not justify spending taxpayers’ money on a business plan.

Sinn Fein’s objections were rejected by other members, who claimed the party was against the idea of a Belfast stadium from the beginning because of its desire for a conflict resolution centre at the Maze.

The DUP’s Sammy Wilson said republicans were engaging in a “scuppering exercise” to try and derail a Belfast stadium proposal.

Property consultants Drivers Jonas will now be commissioned by the council to prepare the business case.

Meanwhile, the Government is expected to reveal the findings of a PriceWaterhouse-Cooper assessment of all the potential national stadium options later this month.

n Belfast city council last night gave its backing to the proposed multi-million pound redevelopment of Ravenhill. After months of deliberation, councillors finally gave the thumbs up to the face lift at the home of Ulster rugby.

Members did however pass an amendment requesting that the Planning Service applies conditions to how the upgraded facilities are operated by the Ulster Branch.