Bath Rugby stadium redevelopment set to go ahead

The redevelopment of The Rec would increase capacity from 14,500 to 18,000 seats

The redevelopment of Bath Rugby's stadium is set to go ahead following confirmation its approval will not be challenged by the secretary of state.

Planning permission for the 18,000-capacity stadium at the Recreation Ground was provisionally granted by Bath and North East Somerset Council on 17 September.

But doubts arose after the government directed the authority not to approve the proposals without "specific authorisation" due to the sensitivity of the historic city.

In a statement released earlier, the club confirmed the application would not be called in for government review and the council's decision will be upheld.

Bath Rugby have played at the Rec for more than 130 years, but much of the stadium's capacity is held in a temporary stand which is usually dismantled during the off-season.

Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, said he was pleased the approval had been upheld.

The plans include landscaping and a new pedestrian walkway along the riverbank

"We recognise that there are strong and differing views on the proposals, which were considered and evaluated as part of extensive public consultation about Bath Rugby's plans," Mr McCabe added.

More than 5,000 people wrote to the council in favour of the stadium redevelopment during a public consultation period.

However, concerns were raised over whether it would be in keeping with the rest of the historic city, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The new and improved stadium includes lowered stand heights to respect the heritage of the surrounding city

Tarquin McDonald, the club's CEO, said the plans had received no objections from any statutory consultees, including Unesco.

"We are thrilled to have received this news so swiftly," he added.

"We look forward to our planning application being formally approved and moving onto the next stage of detailed design.

"We will continue to keep our passionate and loyal supporters updated at every step of the journey."