Concerns over Bath Rugby stadium’s height

BATH Rugby has confirmed that there will be some “impact” on the proposed stadium’s height after it announced earlier this week it would not proceed with a controversial underground car park.

Despite having previously said the underground 550-space car park was fundamental to its design for The Recreation Ground, Bath Rugby has now changed its mind and is not including it.

The Bath Preservation Trust, which has previously raised “serious concerns about excessive height” of the stands, responded by saying it was concerned that no exact reference to a reduction in height was clarified clearly.

Bath Preservation Trust’s chief executive Caroline Kay said: “Bath Preservation Trust welcomes the statement from Bath Rugby concerning the plans for a stadium on The Rec.

“In particular we welcome the removal of proposals for a large car park under the pitch; partly for environmental reasons as car parking encourages car travel and partly because we assume this removal will enable there to be a reduction in the overall height of any new stands.

“We are concerned that a reduction of height is not made explicit in the statement and will work constructively with Bath Rugby and Bath Recreation Ltd to help find an acceptable solution for the heart of the World Heritage Site while hoping to retain the historic vibrancy of Rugby on the Rec.”

A spokesman for Bath Rugby said there will “absolutely will be some impact” on heights but that they couldn’t say for sure what exactly that will be yet.

Bath and North East Somerset Council also welcomed the change in the club’s proposed plans.