Last week, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee voted to support Bath Rugby’s proposal to build a permanent 18,000-seat stadium on the city’s Recreation Ground, replacing the current temporary stands. While this endorsement would typically clear the way for construction, the decision now hinges on further government review.
Ahead of the council meeting, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government instructed the council to await “specific authorisation” from the Secretary of State before granting planning permission. This procedural step allows the government to consider if it should take over the decision.
A letter dated August 26, issued by former Secretary of State Angela Rayner’s officials under delegated powers, clarified that the letter does not indicate the government’s stance on the application. Rayner has since been succeeded by Steve Reed following a personal tax controversy.
Should Reed decide to “call in” the application, a public inquiry will be held before a planning inspector, who functions similarly to a court. The inspector will recommend whether permission should be granted, but Reed will make the final ruling on whether the stadium is approved.
If no call-in occurs, the council’s approval will stand, allowing Bath Rugby to commence a three-year construction project. During the build, the team will continue playing at the Recreation Ground.
Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald emphasized to the planning committee that the new stadium would enable the launch of a professional women’s team and previously would have hosted Women’s Rugby World Cup matches. He highlighted extensive community consultations and design revisions made in response to feedback.
The vote reflected strong support with nine councillors in favor and one against. Public response was overwhelmingly pro-stadium: 5,086 letters of support contrasted with 368 objections. The volume of responses prompted council officers to employ artificial intelligence to summarize comments efficiently.
The council chamber was filled with supporters donning Bath Rugby jerseys, including former England international Jeremy Guscott. However, opposition remains vocal. Renowned director Ken Loach, a resident of Bath, opposes the development, citing the Recreation Ground’s heritage as a public green space gifted to the people in 1956. He described the proposed stadium—a “mini Wembley”—as inappropriate within the historic Georgian neighborhood.
As Bath awaits the government’s decision, the future of the new stadium, set to transform local sports and community life, remains uncertain.