Dear Editor (Harry Mottram)
I refer to an article penned by yourself in Bath Voice edition 63, that highlights the threat to a ‘veteran tree’ adjacent to the Recreation Ground. The concluding section of you article contains inaccuracies and threats made by Tarquin McDonald. Firstly, the heights of the east and west stands are overall the same.,
Secondly, the roofs have now got a slight curve that is supposed to allow less unobstructed views of Bathwick. This might be a laudable objective but even with this slight modification, the majority of the views are completely obliterated. Remember that the city is admired for the views from inside and out, and that the massive black roofs being 120 metre long by 33 metres will obviously be a significant scar on the landscape. I challenge you to deny it.
Thirdly, it is clear that you have not seen or understood the current plans as even a cursory glance at them will reveal that the design concepts for both stands are little changed from the original, the West stand in particular STILL resembles some out of town business park or retail estate. You might also have noticed that there are NO enhanced landscaping scheme that is anyway could justify this absolutely inappropriate form of development in the only city in the UK that is doubly inscribed as a World Heritage Site, and that will only be needed on about 17 days each year.
Finally, as far as I am concerned, I would expect anyone in your position would hold the heritage value of the city far above that of a business model that is in a parlous state, and that any threat by McDonald about the long term existence on the Rec is a pretty shabby position to adopt. I am prepared to bet that the only people bothered about Bath Rugby being on the Rec are Bath Rugby supporters, who are NOT the general public plus, of course, the millions of visitors to the city. So please Harry start sticking up for the city and not Bath Rugby
Sincerely
Martin Farrell, Bath
In reply from the editor: Thanks Martin. I would draw your attention to an article on our website at https://bathvoice.co.uk/2025/03/31/bath-voice-news-opposition-to-the-rugby-stadium-plans-grows-as-the-proposals-are-slammed-by-the-green-party-and-the-friends-of-the-recreation-ground-as-being-disproportionate-in-scale/ which reports on the opposition to the stadium. Bath Voice reports impartially and welcomes all views on the debate.