Derelict Coventry speedway stadium's fate to be decided in 2024

The Coventry Bees stopped racing at Brandon Stadium in 2016 after failing to reach a deal to race there

The final decision on the future of a speedway stadium is due next year after the conclusion of a planning inquiry.

The Coventry Bees stopped racing at Brandon Stadium, which is currently derelict, in 2016, after failing to reach a deal to continue racing there.

Owners Brandon Estates (BE) wants to build 124 homes and football pitch with a pavilion, on the site off Rugby Road.

The stadium first hosted speedway in 1928, before also taking on stock car racing in the 1950s.

Planning permission for BE's plan was unanimously refused by councillors in November.

The company then appealed against the decision at the planning inquiry.

The inquiry was paused earlier this year to allow full evidence and cross examination to take place over a funding request that Rugby Borough Council said was not policy-compliant. 

A section 106 agreement, which lays out how much money the developer must contribute and planning conditions, was the subject of a discussion to enable the inspector to settle the terms of the permission, should the plans be approved.

'Finalise terms this week'

Brandon Estates had argued the 3G football pitch would mitigate the loss of the sporting venue, but concerns were raised as to whether it was necessary or viable on the stadium site.

Plans have been made by the council in case the development is granted permission, with the authority making a case for a safety net of more than £50,000 to cover operational costs.

This is in addition to a fund of £29,000 per year to replace the artificial pitch surface, which typically has a 10-year lifespan. 

The other term added to the agreement was a minimum of 15 hours per week for community use of the 3G pitch. 

Sarah Chapman, the council's legal and governance manager, said: "We anticipate we will be able to finalise the 106 terms this week, we will then need a couple of weeks to circulate for signatures and execution by the county council and ourselves."

It was agreed to allow for up to three weeks, up to 19 December, with a final decision therefore expected new year.