The Scheme for the Rec, a report published by the Charity Commission on 30th November, has now completed its publication period.
The Scheme will enable the Recreation Ground Trust to take forward its plans for the Rec. These include granting Bath Rugby a lease for a new arena and taking over additional recreational land at Lambridge.
The Charity Commission received 1868 representations on the Scheme. Of these, 1624 (87%) were in support and 244 (13%) objected to it. This picture is very similar to the results of the public consultation exercise carried out in 2011, when 85% of respondents agreed with the Trust’s proposal.
Because there were objections, the Scheme will now be subject to a review by the Charity Commission. This is likely to be completed by April.
Bath Rugby Chief Executive, Nick Blofeld, commented: “We were delighted with the public support in response to the proposal for the Recreation Ground, and would like to thank everyone who made representations to the Charity Commission.”
Chairman of trustees Councillor David Dixon said: “We are delighted with the strong support that the Scheme has received through its publication. The response of 87% in favour reflects our previous consultation and confirms its validity. Although we are disappointed that the Scheme has to go through a further stage, we recognise that the Commission has to follow this procedure. We are confident that the Scheme is in the best interests of the beneficiaries and that our proposal is the right way forward for the Rec.”
