Momentous day for Bath Rugby as council vote in favour of new stadium

Bath Rugby’s long struggle to build an 18,000, state-of-the-art stadium at The Rec and create a home fitting for the champions of England moved a major step closer to reality today.

Bath and North-East Somerset Council (BANES) voted to approve the plans, which have been refined over time, with only one of the nine councillors objecting.

The overwhelming majority acknowledged the stadium as a positive move forward, for the club and the wider community, and the importance of rugby to the city.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Halsall said:  “Bath is rugby, as it is the Roman Baths, as it is the Royal Crescent. It has been there for years as a use, and I think we should cement that use for good.”

Up until now, Bath have had to erect costly temporary stands as a solution to increase the ground’s capacity, which is currently 14,500.

Bath sold out all but two of their home PREM games last season. The city comes alive on matchday, and local businesses will no doubt welcome the news as much as supporters of the club who have had to make do with inadequate facilities due to constraints beyond the club’s control.

However, planning permission has yet to be granted as the plans need to be authorised by the Secretary of State.