Bath and North East Somerset Council has employed artificial intelligence to process and analyze over 5,500 public comments on the proposed development of an 18,000-seat stadium in the heart of Bath. Bath Rugby aims to construct this permanent stadium on the Recreation Ground near Pulteney Bridge, a project set for council review on Wednesday, September 17. However, Government officials have instructed the council that approval requires “special authorisation.”
The council received 5,590 comments varying in length and detail. Instead of manually reviewing each submission, council planning officers utilized Microsoft Copilot, an AI tool, to sift through and summarize these extensive public opinions. The planning officer’s comprehensive 121-page report states, “Given the large volume of representations, these have been reviewed and summarized by Microsoft Copilot, which identified key reasons for objections and support.” Comments sent directly to the case officer were also individually read and summarized using the AI.
The report, refined by a planning case officer, highlights core themes from the public feedback. Importantly, planning decisions are influenced by the validity and relevance of issues raised, not merely the number of comments for or against the proposal.
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Out of all submissions, 5,086 supported the stadium, 368 opposed it, and 136 were uncategorized. All comments remain publicly accessible on the council’s planning portal.
Supporters argue the stadium is crucial for Bath Rugby’s future in the city. Paul Cuckoo stressed that relocating outside the city would harm local economic benefits on match days. Greg Rhymes echoed enthusiasm, calling the stadium “an absolute no-brainer” for enhancing sporting events and serving as a versatile venue.
Conversely, opponents emphasize preservation. David Bates highlighted Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage status and expressed concern over the permanent stadium’s impact on the city’s architectural beauty and green space.
A protest by around 30 residents, including film director Ken Loach, took place on September 5. Loach described the Recreation Ground as a public green gift from 1956 meant for community leisure and condemned the stadium plans as a “travesty,” comparing it to “a mini Wembley Stadium” disrupting the historic Georgian setting.
Bath Rugby representatives emphasize the stadium’s potential to deliver world-class facilities, stimulate economic growth, and regenerate the riverside while coexisting respectfully with the city’s character.
The full planning committee will convene at Bath Guildhall to decide on September 17. Though the officer’s report aligns broadly with local development plans, it cautiously refrains from recommending approval due to the government’s call for special authorization, which would allow the Secretary of State to potentially take control of the decision. The committee retains full authority to approve or reject the application.