Over a thousand people have called on the council to approve Bath Rugby’s plans for a stadium in the heart of the city.
The window to have your say by commenting on the planning application for the Stadium for Bath plans closes tomorrow (Saturday, 4th November). 1,197 people have left comments supporting the plans so far, compared to just 79 people lodging objections. 30 people also left comments categorised not categorised as either.
The 18,000-seat stadium on the Recreation Ground would provide a permanent venue for Bath Rugby, as well as offering a pitch for community and amateur use and a “regenerated riverside.” Club CEO Tarquin McDonland said: “The support we’ve had so far following the submission of our planning application has been phenomenal and I want to take this opportunity to thank Bath Rugby fans and the local community for sharing their feedback.”
He added: “I’d encourage anyone who is yet to show their support, to head to the council’s website to have their say on the proposals for a new Stadium for Bath.”
Among the hundreds of people who lodged comments in support of the application was David Tyler, who commented: “Bath Rugby is the only world class sporting team in Somerset and provides sporting inspiration to all the county’s inhabitants, young and old. It is vital that we give the team a facility to maintain its high standard for the future and lift the cloud of uncertainty regarding its long-term location.”
Another commenter in support, Yervand Agobiani, added: “Bath Rugby is part of the culture, history and atmosphere of the city. Match days are also a vital source of income for many local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors.”
Alan Jones commented: “Finally, Bath is getting a proper stadium. This has been delayed for too long by a vocal minority to the detriment of the city as a whole.”
But some of the objectors are fans of the club themselves. Rosemary Kennedy wrote: “We are supporters of Bath Rugby and agree that they do need a new stadium. However, this is a very quiet residential area which is not suitable for loud music, concerts or other commercial functions. It seems to be a money-making venture and we, the residents, would have no control over what happens once it is built.”
Martin Gorsuch said he had been supporting Bath Rugby since 1969 but thought the proposed stadium was “modern, functional and uninspiring.” He said: “It would be ok for replacing Twerton Park or building at the racecourse, but not for an iconic site in the middle of Bath. The city deserves so much more. We were promised an iconic world class rugby stadium. This is not it.”
Similar concerns were shared by people who left neutral comments on the application. James Gabb said: “I support the development of a permanent stadium however not with the current design. An alternative ‘colosseum’ like design was widely shared which I think would be a far superior option.”
Bath-based architects at Apollodorus Architecture shared their classical take on the stadium with the city in the summer. But, despite capturing the imagination of people in the city, Bath Rugby was not swayed by the proposal, with Mr McDonland describing it as a “non-starter.”
Mr Gabb added: “The alternative ‘colosseum’ design would provide a world-class attraction similar to the royal crescent or circus that would increase non-rugby tourism and footfall. It would fit far better with the Bath skyline than the more metal and glass option which is similar to so many other nondescript modern buildings”
But Trudy Healey was relieved that the Roman-style idea was not picked up. She commented in support to say: “ So glad they haven’t gone down the pastiche route of a naff colosseum/Romanesque style but instead, have listened very carefully to all previous objections.”
Another perspective came from a person who commented on the application as Peter K. He said: “I’d like to put a word in as a Bath resident with no interest in either the rugby club or the Recreation Ground. I think the existing stadium should be knocked down, the Recreation Ground paved over, and affordable housing built on this ideal city centre site.”
Warning that the housing crisis had left the centre of the city to the “wealthy few,” he said: “Do the right thing and put some nice, cheap, energy efficient council houses on the land.”
You can view and comment on the planning application here until Saturday, 4th November (tomorrow).
LDRS, John Wimperis