Green Party councillors have raised serious concerns that Bath Rugby’s ambitious plan to build an 18,000-seat stadium at the Recreation Ground could threaten a treasured veteran copper beech tree nearby. Situated in the heart of Bath, the Recreation Ground is a treasured green space, but the proposed development may put this notable tree at risk.
Recognized as “notable” in the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory, the copper beech sits adjacent to the stadium site. Although the tree is not among those slated for removal, the construction of foundations and drainage within its root zone poses significant dangers. The council’s arboriculture officer has labeled this as “unacceptable,” and the stadium’s planned north stand would extend dangerously close, growing beneath the tree’s canopy.
Joanna Wright, Green councillor for Lambridge, highlighted the broader environmental implications: “Trees are vital for life. Veteran and ancient trees like this one have been part of our communities for generations and are deeply loved and treasured. The current stadium planning fails to address the real threat to this tree, risking its survival.” She emphasized that this issue reflects systemic failures in our political and planning frameworks, which too often treat living ecosystems as disposable rather than essential.
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The Greens have also pointed out that the development clearly violates British standards on root protection. Notably, an earlier application to build a garage on the site was rejected because of potential root damage to the tree.
The controversy echoes national debates sparked by the loss of iconic trees such as the Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrian’s Wall and the oak outside Enfield’s Toby Carvery. Last year, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Green group proposed recognizing “rights of nature,” but the motion was overwhelmingly defeated.
“We are in an environmental emergency,” said Councillor Wright. “Protecting ancient trees and ecosystems should be non-negotiable. Nature is not a luxury; it’s our life support system—and we’re destroying it, branch by branch.”
The proposal to build a permanent stadium at the Recreation Ground has divided local opinion. Currently, Bath Rugby invests around a million pounds annually on temporary stands, which are assembled and disassembled for events. Many residents cherish the unobstructed views once the temporary structures are removed each year. However, Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald has warned that without redevelopment, the club’s long-term presence in Bath is at risk—a scenario he describes as “tragic” for both the city and the club.
The updated plans submitted in December include reduced heights for the west and east stands, redesigned facades, a curved roof to preserve cityscape views, enhanced landscaping along the river, and improved stadium seating. Despite these changes, opposition remains strong.
Notable Bath resident and filmmaker Ken Loach, renowned for works like Kes and I, Daniel Blake, has joined over 5,500 people in commenting on the planning application. He describes the proposed stadium as a “carbuncle” damaging Bath’s historic character, stating, “Visitors come to see the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, not a modern sports stadium.”
The fate of the veteran copper beech—and Bath’s cityscape—hangs in the balance as this contentious development debate continues.