‘Horrendous’ stadium needs re-planning

I refer to your articles in your July 26 edition with reference to the proposed new stadium. My reaction is that the concept is horrendous rather than exceptional! The buildings will be much too high. The car park is 3.8metres below pitch level and the stands on top at least another 20metres. The proposed commercial centre on the west side is against council policy and is hardly needed when so many eating and drinking establishments are closing down. Taking in much more of the citizens recreation ground is both undesirable and against the covenants, which exist on the entire ground, although they are not exercised on that part currently leased to Bath Rugby. Opening of the west side to the river Avon is to be desired but not in the way proposed. Simply removing the West Stand as at present constructed with an awful face to the riverside would achieve this objective without the building of a monstrosity. There would still be more than adequate space for spectators of amateur sports in the North and South stands, without the need for any demolition or massive reconstruction. I have two pictures taken in 1905 and 1936 which illustrate just how the openness can be achieved and still allow all legal activities to proceed on the Rec. The 1905 picture shows amateur cricket, football and rugby co-existing in a large and desirable open space. The 1936 image shows how the Rec should be with amateur Rugby and the whole Rec open to the public as was agreed by the High Court in 2002. Jack Sparrow Forester Road Bathwick