Bath and North East Somerset Council has taken a significant step toward the development of a new 18,000-seat stadium for Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground, located in the heart of Bath. The council’s planning committee voted 8-1 in favor of backing the long-anticipated project, marking a major milestone for the club’s permanent home plans.
The proposed stadium is set to replace the current temporary stands, often criticized as an “eyesore,” bringing a more modern and sustainable venue to the city. Liberal Democrat councillor Toby Simon, representing Bathwick—where the stadium would be situated—expressed strong support for the project. He emphasized the importance of maintaining rugby within the city, stating, “Cities are places for people and activities, and watching professional sport is very much a 21st-century activity.” Fellow councillor Eleanor Jackson added a historical perspective, reflecting on Bath’s tradition of innovation and suggesting the city’s heritage aligns with embracing new developments like this.
Despite the overwhelming support, several concerns were raised during the meeting. Issues such as increased traffic congestion, the impact on historic city views, and the loss of trees were highlighted. Councillor John Leach from Walcot voiced his opposition, citing that “the accumulation of small harms is not outweighed by the possible benefits.”
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Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald addressed the committee, noting the stadium’s potential to support the launch of a professional women’s rugby team and its role in hosting prestigious events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the extensive consultations the club has conducted, highlighting that key statutory consultees, including UNESCO, have raised no objections.
Representatives from Bath Recreation Ltd, which owns the Recreation Ground, and the Bath Rugby Foundation explained that the stadium’s revenue would fuel local recreation services and social initiatives. However, concerns from nearby residents were also voiced, particularly by the Pulteney Estate Residents Association (PERA), who stressed that redevelopment must not come at the expense of neighbors’ quality of life.
Councillors recognized the need to apply conditions to manage potential noise and transportation challenges, with councillors Manda Rigby and Toby Simon both advocating for mitigating measures. Ian Halsall expressed the cultural significance of rugby to Bath, underscoring the importance of securing the sport’s future in the city.
While the council has given its formal backing, the next step involves seeking specific authorization from the government. The Secretary of State has reserved the right to call in the application for a public inquiry, which adds an additional layer of scrutiny.
Public response has been substantial, with over 5,000 letters of support contrasted against fewer than 400 objections. Due to the volume, planning officers utilized AI technology to summarize the community feedback efficiently.
Notably, the stadium proposal faced opposition from notable figures including filmmaker Ken Loach, who argues the Recreation Ground should remain an open green space in keeping with its status as a gift to the people of Bath since 1956. He has actively protested against the plan, describing the stadium as a “travesty” in the context of the surrounding Georgian architecture.
If approved, stadium construction is projected to last three years, with Bath Rugby continuing to play at the Recreation Ground during this period.