Bath Rugby has received four-year planning consent for their stands at the Recreation Ground in Bath, including a new enhanced temporary West Stand and renewal of permissions for the North, East and South Stands.
The consent, given at a B&NES Development Management Committee meeting yesterday, will increase the capacity at the Rec from 13,500 to 14,500 and will allow the Club to focus on working towards a permanent solution at the Rec.
Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director of Bath Rugby, said: “We are delighted with today’s decision. By consolidating planning for the next four years, we wish to move the debate away from planning around the temporary stands – which need to be renewed every year or two – and focus on working with all stakeholders within the City to produce a full development proposal.
“Bath Rugby remains committed to providing a world-class facility in the centre of Bath; one which provides enhanced use for the community and which reinvigorates the riverside area in the heart of the City.”
McDonald added: “In the meantime, the much-needed redevelopment of the West Stand will provide our supporters with the best possible game experience, with improved sight lines, more legroom and enhanced facilities.
“In addition, the increased capacity will allow more people to enjoy rugby at the Rec and bring in an extra £5 million to the local economy over the life of the consent.”
Upon hearing the announcement, Bath’s MP Ben Howlett said: “I am thrilled that the Council has at last granted permission for Bath Rugby Stadium to be expanded and I look forward to supporting Bath Rugby at the bigger stadium in the future.
“The 1000 extra seats will make a real difference allowing even more Bath supporters to support the team.
“I will continue to work with Bath Rugby and local residents as they work towards full redevelopment in the coming months.
“This ongoing saga has simply taken far too long and it is great to see that the Council has taken decisive action over the future of Bath Rugby.”
