Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) has voted in favour of plans to build a new stadium for Bath Rugby. Eight of the nine councillors on the planning committee supported the investment, with one voting against. The modern facility is set to be built on The Rec – the historic home of the current Premiership champions – and will hold 18,000 spectators.

Controversy surrounding the project

For the club, which has played its matches at this site for more than 130 years, the project represents the biggest change in its history. Much of the current stadium consists of temporary stands that are erected and dismantled depending on the season, and the venue no longer meets many modern sporting standards. The first plans to redevelop The Rec emerged as early as 2018 but the process has been repeatedly delayed due to design changes and legal disputes.

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Although the majority of councillors voted yes, the project has sparked intense emotions. More than 360 formal objections were submitted to the council – from residents, community organisations and people concerned about increased noise, litter and air pollution. The only councillor who voted against was Liberal Democrat John Leech, who warned that the investment would negatively impact noise, waste and pollution levels in the city centre.

Critics also remind that The Rec land was purchased in 1956 by the city with the intention of keeping it as an open recreational space for Bath’s residents. It is currently managed by the independent charity Bath Recreation Ltd. It is estimated that, once the project is completed, the publicly accessible green area will shrink by about 5,000 m². Film director Ken Loach, a Bath resident and Cannes Palme d’Or winner, joined the protests. This land was promised as an open space for everyone. That promise is being eroded bit by bit, he told BBC Radio.

© Local Democracy Reporting Service / Bath Rugby

Strong support from fans

Despite the opposition, many residents strongly support the investment. During the public consultation, more than 5,000 people sent in letters of support. Bath is a rugby city and The Rec is the club’s home, said fan Tom Dabinett. He also stressed that the new stadium would become a hub for sport and community activities, including the charitable Bath Rugby Foundation. Former Foundation employee Jasmine Ford added: The Rec is a fantastic place – so close to the city centre, which means a great deal for local businesses.

Decision lies with the government

While the council’s vote is an important step, the project has not yet received final approval. Because of Bath’s unique status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the government requires special authorisation before planning permission can be granted. The final decision will be taken by Secretary of State for Communities Steve Reed. The new stadium is intended to be a symbol of modernity and a guarantee that top-level rugby remains in Bath, but whether the project proceeds on schedule now depends on the government and further administrative procedures.