Green Party councillors in Bath have voiced serious concerns over Bath Rugby’s proposal to construct an 18,000-seat stadium at the Recreation Ground, warning that the development threatens a renowned veteran copper beech tree nearby. Recognized as a “notable tree” in the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory, this tree holds significant environmental and community value.
While not slated for removal, the tree risks root damage due to planned construction work, including the laying of foundations and drainage within its root protection zone—a move the council’s arboriculture officer deems “unacceptable.” Furthermore, the north stand of the stadium would extend directly beneath the tree’s canopy, posing additional risks.
Joanna Wright, Green councillor for Lambridge, emphasized the tree’s importance: “Veteran and ancient trees are living legacies, deeply rooted in our communities and essential to life. This planning application neglects the vital protections needed to ensure the tree’s survival.” She criticized the political and planning process for treating ecosystems as disposable rather than indispensable.
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The Greens highlight that the proposed development violates British standards designed to protect tree roots. Notably, a previous planning application to construct a garage interfering with this tree’s roots was rejected on similar grounds.
Referencing national outrage over the loss of iconic trees—such as the Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrian’s Wall and a notable oak near Enfield—the local Green Party underscores the profound community connection to such natural landmarks. Despite this, a 2022 motion to acknowledge “rights of nature” on Bath and North East Somerset Council was overwhelmingly defeated.
Ms. Wright concluded, “We face an environmental emergency. Protection of ancient trees must be a fundamental priority, not a contentious issue. Nature is not negotiable; it is our essential life support system, and we must stop dismantling it piece by piece.”
The Recreation Ground itself remains a beloved green space at Bath’s heart, and the permanent stadium project is deeply divisive. Currently, Bath Rugby spends around a million pounds annually erecting and dismantling temporary stands. Local residents cherish the open view when stands are removed each year. However, Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald has cautioned that without redevelopment, the club’s long-term presence in Bath could be at risk, which would be a loss for both city and team.
Revised stadium plans submitted in December propose lower heights for the west and east stands, redesigned facades, and a curved roof to preserve more city and hill views. Additional landscaping along the river and improved stadium seating are also included.
Among over 5,500 public comments on the project is that of renowned filmmaker Ken Loach, who describes the stadium as a “carbuncle” inappropriate for Bath’s historic charm. He noted, “Visitors come to see the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, not a modern sports stadium – those can be found elsewhere.”