Bath Rugby Club expansion Trust can appeal against block

The appeal means Bath Rugby Club may be able to expand their grounds and seating capacity

The trust which runs Bath Recreation Ground can appeal against a decision blocking Bath Rugby's stadium plans.

The club, which leases the ground from the Recreation Ground Trust, wanted to increase capacity and in 2012 secured permission for the expansion.

Last year a Charity Tribunal threw out the proposal, but the trust has won the right to an Upper Tribunal appeal.

Bath Rugby Club said the ruling was as "an incredibly positive step forward" for its redevelopment plans.

'Delighted'

The Upper Tribunal has the equivalent status of the High Court and has the power to overturn decisions by lower tribunals such as the Charity Tribunal.

The ruling will allow an appeal which means there is potential for the current decision made by the Charity Tribunal to be overturned.

A spokesman for Bath Rugby Club said: "Bath Rugby is delighted by the outcome of the Recreation Ground Trust's appeal.

"Today's decision opens the door to progress in terms of redevelopment.

"While we recognise there is still a long way to go, today's decision is an incredibly positive step forward for both the Club and the City of Bath."

The Charity Tribunal told the BBC it does not comment on cases as the decision speaks for itself.

John Flinn, General Manager of Bath Recreation Ground Trust said the appeal addressed a specific point of law around the status of the Rec.

"The judgement has clarified that in essence the Rec is to be used as a recreation ground for the public at large and can be managed by the trustees in a manner that will further this charitable objective," said Mr Flinn.

The Rec holds about 12,000 supporters at present but the club wants to increase capacity to take a further 4,000 people on match days.