The principle for a new permanent stadium at the Rec has been included in local planning policy through the B&NES Core Strategy (2014) and subsequent Placemaking Plan (2017). B&NES are now consulting the public on potential updates to the Local Plan, including the Rec, and asking for their views on the new Local Plan consultation options. We need to ensure that the voices of the tens of thousands of people who enjoy rugby and support a new stadium at the Rec are heard.

Inclusion within the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan has given the Club the confidence to pursue its ambitions to provide a new stadium for Bath Rugby at the Rec. Whilst the Stadium for Bath project has been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that the principle of a new stadium is included within the new Local Plan.

The review of the Local Plan considers a number of options for the Rec, and options for amendments to the two relevant planning policies (named B1 and SB2), which are:

Option 1: Retain the existing Policy as is.
Option 2: Review the Policy wording.
Option 3: Delete the current allocation which would mean no construction can take place at the Rec.

We would like supporters to encourage the Council to retain these policies (Option 1). We therefore ask that you formally respond and request Option 1 for both of:

1. Consultation Reference Bath 1: Options for Policy B1 as it relates to the Recreation Ground; and

2. Consultation Reference Bath 2: SB2 Development Requirements and Design Principles Central Riverside & Recreation Ground

Formal responses can be made by email using the below suggested template, and must be made by 18th February 2021.

The Local Plan consultation makes reference to the recent court judgment in relation to the 1922 Covenants. The court judgment is under review, it is not a planning matter, and does not change our commitment to developing at the Rec.

We are asking all supporters to please ACT NOW and voice your preference to retain the existing policy, keeping the principle of a new stadium at the Rec included in the Local Plan and paving the way for a bright future for Bath Rugby at its rightful home. Please submit your response by 18th February 2021, and ask your friends to do the same.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Suggested email

To: local_plan2@bathnes.gov.uk

Dear Sirs,

I am emailing you in relation to the B&NES Local Plan Partial Update Options Consultation which runs until 18th February. I would like to formally lodge consultation responses as follows:

1. Consultation Reference Bath 1: Options for Policy B1 as it relates to the Recreation Ground:
I would like to formally lodge a response requesting - Option 1: Retain the existing Policy as is.

2. Consultation Reference Bath 2: SB2 Development Requirements and Design Principles Central Riverside & Recreation Ground:
I would like to formally lodge a response requesting - Option 1: Retain the existing Policy as is.

I am happy to confirm that my home address is [insert home address and postcode].

Please confirm that you have received and recorded my response to the consultation.

Yours sincerely,
[Name]

We need your support: Redevelopment of the Rec

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