Old Coventry speedway stadium demolition plan rejected

The Coventry Bees stadium has become derelict since they stopped racing there in 2016

Plans to demolish a speedway stadium in Coventry for housing have been thrown out by a planning inspector.

Brandon Stadium's owners want to build 124 homes and a football pitch with pavilion on the site off Rugby Road.

The Coventry Bees stopped racing there in 2016, after failing to reach a deal to continue.

Inspector Helen Hockenhull said she was "not persuaded there is a clear case that the site is surplus to requirements or is no longer needed".

Some of the issues she considered were whether the housing would have a greater harm on the green belt than what was already there, whether the stadium should be deemed as surplus to requirements and the financial viability of restoring the stadium.

She also looked at whether there was a need for the 3G football pitch, whether the pitch's inclusion would outweigh the loss of the stadium, and other benefits of the plan such as the extra housing.

It is the latest chapter in a long-running and complex process of plans for the derelict site being considered and rejected by Rugby Borough Council.

Planning permission for owners Brandon Estates was unanimously refused by councillors in November 2022.

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

'Warmly welcomed'

In her written judgement on Friday, Ms Hockenhull said: "Whilst speedway has declined to the extent that it is now a minority sport, I do not consider it is dying. The same is true for stock car racing.

"There is demand for Coventry Stadium demonstrated by SCS [campaigners] and supporters in the racing community."

She said it was clear there was financial backing for the racing scheme, with parties expressing interest in establishing a consortium if required and general support from the council and the mayor of the West Midlands.

Despite being convinced that the 3G pitch "would be of significant local benefit", Ms Hockenhull ruled it should not be waved through at the expense of the stadium.

"I therefore conclude that the benefits of the alternative provision do not outweigh the loss of Coventry Stadium," she said.

Campaigners "warmly welcomed" the verdict as they and the council consider what happens next.

The decision, which backs the council's earlier refusal of the plans, means that any attempt by Brandon Estates to prepare a new plan would be judged against this ruling.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.