"The people of Bath have been shown the red card": Film-maker Ken Loach criticises stadium plans
The BAFTA award-winning film-maker is calling proposals "a failure on local democracy"
BAFTA award-winning film-maker Ken Loach is criticising plans for a new rugby stadium in Bath.
Bath Rugby’s long held ambition to build a permanent 18,000-seat stadium on the Recreation Ground cleared a major hurdle on Wednesday (17th September) after the council’s planning committee voted to give its backing to the plans.
The new stadium would replace the temporary stands Bath Rugby currently uses at the Recreation Ground.
But the plans have received criticism from campaigners concerned about flood risk, congestion, and the preservation of Georgian architecture.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Ken Loach said: "The Rec is an essential piece right in the centre of a city, which has magnificent Georgian architecture."
"The preservation of that and the reclaiming of that is very important and building a mini Wembley Stadium in the middle of the city is outrageous.
"Seeing that right next to the delicacy of Putney Bridge just fills you with horror, if you love the city for what it is rather than a way of making money."
Ken Loach is calling for the Rec to be put in public ownership, to be used by the community for the community.
"There hasn't been a public debate on this and there are questions that need to be answered.
"The people of Bath have been shown the red card by the council and by the people in charge of the Rec.
"People are resigned to being stitched up and that’s a monstrous condemnation of our local democracy."
Despite concerns from local campaigners, there have been no objections to the Stadium for Bath application from Historic England or UNESCO World Heritage.
"This submission is another important milestone for the club and the city," said Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby.
"We’ve listened closely to the community and our stakeholders, as well as the numerous statutory consultees that are invited to comment on planning applications, and we are committed to delivering a stadium that not only meets the needs of our fans but also respects the rich heritage of Bath.
"The amended submission showcases an exciting vision for the future, with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire community."
Planning permission for the stadium has not yet been granted as the council needs to wait for “specific authorisation” from the government.
If plans were approved, construction of the stadium would take three years.