Bath and North East Somerset Council has harnessed artificial intelligence to process over 5,500 public comments regarding the proposed stadium development in the heart of Bath. Bath Rugby aims to construct an 18,000-seat permanent stadium on the Recreation Ground near Pulteney Bridge, a plan set for the council’s consideration on September 17.
Faced with thousands of submissions, the council used Microsoft Copilot — an AI tool — to review and summarize the extensive public feedback, which ranged from brief remarks to detailed paragraphs. The planning officer’s comprehensive 121-page report, prepared for the upcoming planning committee meeting, explains that the AI first identified key reasons for support and objection before a case officer refined these findings by reviewing samples of the comments. Individual representations sent directly to the case officer were also read and summarized using the same tool.
Of the 5,590 comments, a significant majority—5,086—expressed support for the stadium, while 368 were objections, and 136 comments remained uncategorized. It is worth noting that the committee weighs the validity of planning concerns raised, not just the number of comments for or against the plans. All public feedback remains accessible through the council’s planning portal.
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Supporters view the stadium as a crucial investment for Bath Rugby and the city’s economy. For instance, Paul Cuckoo described the project as “a vital development” that would ensure Bath Rugby remains anchored in the city centre, while avoiding a relocation that could harm local match-day revenues. Similarly, Greg Rhymes praised the proposal for potentially transforming the venue into a multipurpose facility benefiting both sports and business sectors.
Conversely, opponents worry about the impact on Bath’s heritage and green spaces. Objector David Bates highlighted concerns over the UNESCO World Heritage status, fearing that a permanent stadium would mar the city’s architectural beauty and diminish the recreational park area. Local protests have echoed these sentiments, with notable voices like filmmaker Ken Loach emphasizing the importance of preserving the Recreation Ground as an open, community space rather than allowing a large commercial stadium.
Bath Rugby representatives stress that the project will deliver a world-class venue enhancing riverside regeneration, increasing sporting participation, and boosting economic and social benefits for the city. They emphasize a respectful coexistence with the city’s historic architecture and nearby residents.
The council’s decision on September 17 will determine whether the stadium plan gains approval or if, due to a government directive requiring “special authorisation,” it will be referred to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government for a final decision. The planning committee retains the authority to reject the proposal.