The Trust has issued a detailed response to the recent consultation on a new rugby stadium on the Rec. We have actively engaged with the project since its inception and have given detailed responses to emerging plans at each stage. The plans presented are the most detailed yet, and therefore we have been able to give a very detailed response to all aspects presented at the consultation, as well as urging the team to ensure that the planning application contains all the necessary and very specific assessment documentation required for a scheme of this size and impact, including a thorough and accessible analysis of harm versus specifically defined public benefit.
Our primary feedback continues to focus on concerns over heritage impacts as a result of the height of the stands and the associated visual impacts on key views over, out and across the World Heritage Site. We are also concerned regarding the current design for certain parts of the stadium including the principle corners (NW and SE) and the East Stand, which is currently unresolved and uninspiring. We also address many other matters in our response.