Councillors have backed Bath Rugby’s plans for a new stadium, which now awaits a final decision from the Secretary of State.

Members of the Bath and North East Somerset planning committee recommended the club’s planning application for approval at its September 17 meeting. Councillors voted 8-1 in favour of the application.

The club will now await the decision from the Secretary of State before the application is formally approved, as the plans require “specific authorisation”.

Plans for an 18,000-seat venue on the site of the existing ground, The Rec, were initially submitted in 2018 but had been hampered by legal challenges.

During the consultation period, more than 360 objections were submitted to the council.

Despite this, the application received more than 5,000 comments submitted by members of the public, with the club stating ‘approximately 95% are in support of the development’.

There have been no objections from any statutory consultees.

Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive, said: “This decision is a landmark moment for Bath Rugby and the city.

“It enables us to move forward with delivering a stadium that will transform the matchday experience for fans, provide world-class facilities for women’s rugby and schools, and create a venue with year-round community use.

“Importantly, the design regenerates the riverside, protects views of our beautiful city, and incorporates significant sustainability measures.

“We would like to thank the Council, statutory consultees, stakeholders, and the thousands of supporters and residents who engaged with us throughout this process.

We have been humbled by the overwhelming weight of support for redevelopment. This has been a true team effort, and we are proud to turn the page on this next chapter in Bath Rugby’s long history at The Rec.”

Grimshaw were appointed as lead architect for the stadium, with the firm also responsible for the design of the Lord’s Grand Stand and Wimbledon No.1 Court.

Images: Bath Rugby

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