The UK government has directed Bath and North East Somerset Council not to grant planning permission for Bath Rugby’s proposed 18,000-seat stadium on the Recreation Ground, located in the centre of Bath, without specific authorization. This directive comes ahead of the council’s planning committee’s scheduled review of the plans on September 17.
The council’s planning officers have published a comprehensive 121-page report analyzing the proposal. While the report finds that the stadium project largely aligns with the council’s development policies, the government’s intervention has halted an outright recommendation for approval. Instead, officers suggest that councillors should inform the Secretary of State of what their decision would have been if the government direction had not been issued.
The Recreation Ground, a cherished green space gifted to the people of Bath in 1956, has been a source of contention. Many residents argue it should remain open for all sports and leisure activities. Renowned filmmaker Ken Loach, a vocal opponent of the stadium, joined a recent protest and condemned the plans, describing the proposed stadium as “a travesty” that would transform the historic Georgian cityscape with a “mini Wembley Stadium.”
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The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s letter, dated August 26 but published on September 8, emphasizes the procedural nature of the directive and clarifies that the council may still consider or refuse the application, but must not grant permission without government approval. At the time the letter was issued, Angela Rayner was Secretary of State; however, she has since been replaced by Steve Reed.
Bath Rugby currently operates with temporary stands, incurring costs of about a million pounds annually. The club warns that without a permanent stadium, it risks jeopardizing its future on the Recreation Ground. A club spokesperson highlighted that the new stadium would bring a “world-class” venue with economic and social benefits, including riverside regeneration and enhanced event capacity.