Government make intervention in Bath Rugby plans

Bath Rugby wants to create a permanent 18,000-capacity stadium at the Recreation Ground

The government has directed a council not to give the go-ahead to plans to redevelop Bath Rugby's stadium without the secretary of state's approval.

The club is looking to expand its home at the Recreation Ground, with plans in place for an 18,000-seat stadium in the city centre. A protest against the plan was held in Johnston Street on Friday.

A government letter to Bath and North East Somerset Council directs them not to approve the scheme without "specific authorisation" from the secretary of state.

The government said the letter should not be read as "any indication of the secretary of state's attitude" towards the plans. Bath Rugby said the stadium would be a "world class" venue.

The letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, published on the council's planning portal on Monday but dated 26 August, states: "The secretary of state hereby directs your council not to grant permission on this application without specific authorisation.

"This direction does not, of course, prevent your council from considering the application, forming a view as to the merits or, if they are so minded, refusing permission."

It goes on to stress the letter should not be read as "any indication of the Secretary of State's attitude towards the application scheme".

Angela Rayner was the housing secretary when the letter was written, but she has since been replaced by Steve Reed after failing to pay enough tax on her second home.

Since the letter was sent, planning officers have published a 121-page report into the stadium plans, which concludes the proposals are in overall accordance with BANES Council's development plans, but stops short of saying they should be approved.

'Gift to the people'

Much of Bath Rugby's current ground is made up of temporary stands, which have to be taken down each summer.

Ken Loach. one of those who took part in the protest against the new stadium plans, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Bath Recreation Ground was a gift to the people of Bath in 1956 and it should be an open green space forever.

"And now we find that one wealthy club owned by one very wealthy man has a lease and is now looking to build a permanent large stadium here.

"A mini Wembley Stadium in the middle of these Georgian Houses is a travesty."

A spokesperson for Bath Rugby said: "The Stadium for Bath project will deliver a new, world-class 18,000-capacity venue with increased capacity to host events and regeneration of the riverside, generating a wide range of positive, long-term economic and social benefits for the city and local communities."

The plans are due to be debated by BANES Council's Planning Committee on 17 September.