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Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
‘Kill joy Lefties' in Bath Rugby stadium row over oak tree
'Fanatical' Green councillors are embroiled in a row with Bath Rugby Club over its plans to build a new stadium. Two years ago, Bath Rugby club announced plans for a new 18,000-seater Rugby stadium at the Recreation Ground in Bath city centre. But Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes have accused the Premiership club of endangering a '200 year plus copper beech tree', which sits just metres away from the proposed structure. 'They are literally building this stadium within three metres of the tree,' Ms Wright, a Green Party councillor for Lambridge Ward, told The Telegraph. 'It's a 200 year plus copper beech tree which is a heritage veteran tree. These trees are important in our landscape, one of the reasons Bath is part of the UNESCO heritage site is because of its green setting.' She objected to the plans because she believed putting in foundations of the stadium would involve digging on the root system of the tree, which could then damage the tree in the process. Sir Jacob Rees Mogg, who lives a 30-minute drive from the proposed stadium, supported the rugby club and told the Telegraph that it was a case of 'fanatical greens' and 'typical kill joy Lefties'. He said: 'As the Club is promising to protect the tree, it sounds as if the fanatical greens are trying to stop the development. Typical kill joy lefties.' Bath Rugby club has disputed Ms Wright's claims and said the design proposals would protect the tree. The club also said that it has to spend around £1 million every year assembling and disassembling temporary stands. Tarquin McDonald, the chief executive, told the BBC: 'If we were not able to redevelop [the stadium], it calls into question our ability to stay here long term. That would be tragic for the city and the club.' Ms Wright hit back at Sir Jacob's comments, describing his statement as 'utter tosh'. She said: 'Just because you want to protect nature doesn't make you a crazy fanatic. 'I have nothing against rugby, but I also want to protect trees. Veteran trees should be supported in our urban landscape. They are as important culturally as rugby is - it's about coming to a compromise to deliver that... They are essentially going to build within the zone of the root system of the tree. 'It has a 21 metre root protection area, which would be dramatically reduced to 3 metres under the current plans. 'They are building the edge of the stadium within metres of this tree. Therefore they are putting in groundworks. If you think about foundations of any building, they are going to have to dig a long way down for that. 'I can't see how it's possible to preserve the tree and build the foundations.' Residents of Bath have also been objecting to the proposals on the planning application which was submitted. One objector, Susan Macdonald said: 'The bulk of the application is not about playing rugby. This is about building a hospitality complex. 'We the residents will have endure this even more massive stadium design, destroying the listed buildings landscape and seriously risking our UNESCO world heritage status'.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ancient beech tree 'threatened by Bath Rugby stadium proposals'
A rugby team's plans to build a stadium pose a threat to an ancient tree, Green Party councillors are copper beech tree is not one of the ten trees that would be removed under Bath Rugby's design proposals for an 18,000-seater stadium on the Recreation Ground, however, two councillors said a foundation and drain could be built into its root councillors said the way the tree was being overlooked exemplified "what's broken in our political and planning system".A spokesperson from Bath Rugby said the comments regarding the tree were "factually incorrect", and that the design proposals, which have not yet been approved, would protect it. Green councillor Joanna Wright, speaking alongside colleague Saskia Heijltjes, said the club's present planning application "has failed to address the real threat to this important local tree".The tree is recognised as "notable" in the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Wright said that people in political and planning systems "treat living ecosystems as if they're disposable, when in reality they are essential". 'Tragic for the club' The stadium plan is a highly controversial topic in Bath, according to the Local Democracy Reporting locals would like to maintain the green space in the heart of the others point out that Bath Rugby has to spend around £1m every year assembling and disassembling temporary Rugby CEO, Tarquin McDonald, said: "If we were not able to redevelop [the stadium], it calls into question our ability to stay here long term."That would be tragic for the city and the club."Ken Loach, the film director, was one of the 5,500 commenters on the stadium planning Loach, who lives in Bath, said: "Visitors come to see the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, not to look at a modern sports stadium – you can see those without travelling very far."
Business News Wales
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Climate Storytellers Win Funding to Explore New Ways to Inspire Audiences
Five Research and Development (R&D) projects are sharing £100,000 of investment from the Media Cymru x Ffilm Cymru Wales Climate Stories Fund. Launched in December 2024, the Climate Stories Fund was devised and delivered by Media Cymru and Ffilm Cymru Wales to support R&D projects for feature films or immersive experiences sharing impactful climate stories that stimulate action in fresh and compelling ways. The competition was highly competitive. Media Cymru and Ffilm Cymru Wales selected five outstanding projects to progress through a four-month R&D sprint taking place from April to August 2025. The process began with an Insight Day hosted by Wales Millennium Centre, at which the teams learned from guest speakers Prof. Paul Behrens from the University of Oxford, filmmaker Elham Ehsas, Dr Catherine Graves, the BFI's Keir Oldfield-Lewis and BAFTA albert's Lisa Howe. The five projects supported through the Climate Stories Fund are: All Rivers Spill – Spill All Rivers – Joanna Wright, Tiny City A new project by filmmaker Jeanie Finlay returning to the Teesside coast where she grew up. Using immersive technology, All Rivers Spill – Spill All Rivers is a wraparound Extended Reality (XR) documentary project. Due to sensitivity around the subject matter, further details available on request. Founded by Joanna Wright, Tiny City is a North Wales-based, artist-led company developing projects that centre interdisciplinary, inclusive design. Working with a diverse network of creative collaborators in Wales and internationally, they produce projects that crossover between documentary, installation, and digital platforms, which have been exhibited at The Institute of Contemporary Art, Channel 4, BFI, BBC, The Space, Sky, True/False, MIT, IDFA, and UNESCO. Ceri (Working Title) – Richard Billingham This R&D project will explore young people's lived experiences, in particular their thoughts, feelings, perceptions and anxieties about climate change and the future. The storytelling will transition through everyday digital screens, including video games, smartphones, surveillance cameras, drones, and doorbell cameras. Swansea-based artist and filmmaker Richard Billingham has worked in photography, film and experimental video and was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Debut Film (2019) for his feature Ray and Liz, supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales. As Professor at the University of Gloucestershire, Richard sees many students express a collective anxiety about climate change and their futures. Earth Speaks – Ashley Leung and Remi Bumstead, Tiny House Creatives There are people who live in deep communion with the earth, who have witnessed, documented and adapted to centuries of earth changes and who continue to do so today. Earth Speaks will explore the importance of these observations in shaping current polices, the roles the indigenous play in safeguarding our ecosystems, and the songs and stories that reflect humanity's shared connection to nature across all cultures. Ashley's journey into film began with a foundation in music, leading to a BSc in Music Technology and studio experience working on ADR, foley, scores, and SFX for film. Guided by his own nature, Ashley loves creating heart felt human and nature centric films that contribute to a more positive, caring, connected, and celebrated world view. Self-shooting Producer-Director Remi has worked across the board from Adidas and Arsenal to The UN in Somalia, filming in extreme environments from the Arctic to the Amazon. Nora's Ark – Lowri Roberts and Maisie Williams, Rapt Pictures The Earth has been squeezed dry of its resources, the end is nigh. But there's a plan to save humanity, a ship to save a select few people. Told through multiple perspectives, this feature film will be crafted based on what underserved audiences want. Based in North Wales and Somerset, Rapt is a film production company led by BAFTA Cymru-winning filmmaker and producer Lowri Roberts and Emmy-nominated actor and producer Maisie Williams. Passionate about the environment, the company has a number of projects on their slate that address climate change, and Maisie is the Global Ambassador for both WWF and Dolphin Project. Who Gives a F**k About Polar Bears? – Gavin Porter How do we tell climate stories from a working-class perspective? Those who are economically challenged will be among the first and most affected by the climate crisis, yet their voices are rarely heard in the debate. Who Gives a F**K About Polar Bears is a transmedia project anchored by a feature documentary that examines the profound intersections between class and climate. Gavin Porter is a storyteller who writes, directs and produces film, theatre and radio. Inspired by his experiences of growing up in Cardiff's Butetown, one of the oldest multicultural communities in the UK, Gavin has created theatre productions that have sold out across Wales and won a BAFTA Cymru award for fiction film. Lee Walters, Chief Executive of Ffilm Cymru Wales, said: 'We're excited to be supporting such creative, innovative and potentially impactful projects through the Climate Stories Fund. These ideas not only reflect the urgency of the climate crisis but also the power of storytelling to inspire change and spark meaningful conversations.' Professor Justin Lewis, Director of Media Cymru, said: 'After a competitive process, we're pleased to see a real breadth of innovative ideas from the final cohort, who will be exploring and developing their ideas throughout the upcoming R&D period. Together with Ffilm Cymru Wales, we wanted to see a range of fresh approaches for inspiring audiences while telling the wider story of the climate crisis. The final projects are great examples of the kinds of storytelling talent we have here in Wales, and I look forward to seeing these ideas grow and evolve.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bath Rugby Submits Updated Plans For New Stadium At The Rec
Bath Rugby has submitted updated plans for the construction of a modern stadium at The Rec, where the team first set up shop in 1894. The updated application includes suggestions from the public, important stakeholders, and Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) after technical aspects were tested last year. The planning committee will review the new project plans over the upcoming New Year. Advertisement Significant improvements that lower the height of the East and West Stadium seating sections are incorporated into the new design. The strategy aims to raise matchday satisfaction without taking away from the neighborhood's unique attractiveness. Tarquin McDonald, the CEO of Bath Rugby, informed the public that his team plans to build a stadium that preserves Bath's historical traditions while providing benefits to the local community. By adding accessibility and achieving sustainability goals for net-zero carbon, the designs preserve key elements of the original proposal while building a stadium with 18,000 seats. The stadium enlargement initiatives generate significant worries because Bath maintains its position as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Advertisement The location of the Recreation Ground places it directly within this area, which holds substantial Roman and Georgian architecture next to the River Avon. The expansion project encounters resistance from Green Party council member Joanna Wright, who alleges that the stadium development threatens the UNESCO status by diminishing the surrounding 'green space.' Bath Rugby maintains its positive outlook even though some community members have concerns about the construction plans. However, the designs add public spaces along the regenerated riverbanks and redesign the East and West Stadium stands to improve the surrounding area. An updated submission illustrates Bath Rugby's future direction by combining the city's historical and modern sporting demands.
San Francisco Chronicle
27-04-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
An English rugby team's stadium plan sparks concern for beavers, bats and UNESCO designation
BATH, England (AP) — Talk about a scrum. The rugby club in the English city of Bath is at odds with some of its neighbors over plans to expand the team's beloved stadium. Though Bath Rugby won a legal case that went all the way to Britain's Supreme Court, its plan to boost the Recreation Ground, or The Rec — its 'spiritual home' since 1894 — faces more hurdles. That's because the city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Roman roots, Georgian architecture and scenic landscapes. And the stadium sits in the heart of it, along the River Avon. 'I'm not anti-rugby. This isn't about a sport. This is looking at what's best for this city,' Joanna Wright, a Green Party member of the Bath and North East Somerset Council, said as tourists stopped for photos near Pulteney Bridge. Wright, who opposes the plan, worries that reducing the 'green setting' will impact the UNESCO designation. She motions toward the hills beyond the stadium's temporary East Stand, which in the rebuild would become permanent rather than be removed each summer. She noted that the city of Liverpool lost its world heritage status in 2021 because of waterfront developments, including Everton's new soccer stadium. 'We don't know what the World Heritage organization will do, but we do know that they have decided that Liverpool is no longer going to get its status, so do you want to risk that?' Wright said. Bath Rugby — currently atop the Premiership standings — wants to expand from about 14,500 capacity to 18,000 and create 'a new sporting, cultural and leisure stadium.' Rugby 'brings the city alive' Bath's planning committee has targeted September for a decision. In a public comment period, a large majority of respondents favored the plan. 'They recognize the importance of the sport to the city,' Doug Wrigglesworth, chairman of the Bath Rugby Supporters Club, said in an interview. 'It's an iconic stadium. (But) It It really needs to be brought up to date." Bath Rugby has played home matches there for more than 125 years. Facilities were damaged in the 1942 'Bath Blitz' bombing by Germany's Luftwaffe during World War II. After rugby union became professional in the mid-1990s, the club began adding capacity bit by bit. Much of the seating is unprotected from the weather, and efforts to squeeze in more fans had been dubbed 'Operation Sardine.' Still, it's a bucket-list destination for rugby enthusiasts, the way baseball fans in the United States flock to Fenway Park or Wrigley Field. Pubs and restaurants fill up on matchdays. 'It's quite a big advert for the city,' said Wrigglesworth, who has been attending matches for 45 years. 'It brings the city alive." Wright, however, describes game days as 'pandemonium and getting in and out of the city is problematic.' Bath was England's top team in the 1990s and won the European Rugby Champions Cup in 1998. Today, its star player is flyhalf Finn Russell, the Scotland captain. Rugby union has been struggling financially. In the 2022-23 season, no Premiership club made a profit, according to the Leonard Curtis Rugby Finance Report. The Rec's capacity utilization in '22-23 was 91% — second highest in the league. Expanding the stadium would generate more match-day revenue and corporate partnerships. Bath Rugby, owned by businessman Bruce Craig, declined interview requests. Beavers and bats Bath in 1987 was declared a World Heritage Site, and in 2021 received a second moniker as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. UNESCO — the UN's cultural agency — had put Liverpool on an 'endangered' list years before pulling its world heritage designation. Last year, it rejected recommendations to put Stonehenge on the list. Besides the UNESCO designation, concerns have been raised in Bath about everything from noise and transportation to the welfare of bats and beavers. The UK government's Environment Agency cautioned in a letter to the planning committee that the plan's environmental statement overlooks the European beaver — a protected species. 'Beavers need to be considered as they are now known to be present in good numbers on the Avon with numerous active territories in the Bath area and Pulteney Gate being directly on the main dispersal route for these animals,' read the Environment Agency's recent letter, which also raised flooding concerns. The club's plan has prompted feedback about the need to protect bats, too, with stadium lighting flagged as a potential problem. Legal battles Residents scored a legal victory a few years ago by citing a 1922 covenant that said nothing should be built on the ground that would disturb the neighborhood. Bath Rugby got that overturned, however, when the Court of Appeal ruled that covenant language was too vague. And when the Supreme Court in October 2022 declined to hear an application to appeal the ruling, the expansion plan was back on. The club has been revising it since then to incorporate feedback. The UK committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites — ICOMOS serves as adviser to UNESCO on cultural World Heritage Sites — recently submitted its concerns to the planning committee. ICOMOS-UK noted improvements in the design but encouraged 'further reductions in height, especially to the central roof section, and a design approach that overcomes the exaggerated mass and scale and the incompatible form within the otherwise harmonious city.' It warned of 'significant permanent harm." However, Historic England, a public body that seeks to champion England's history and environment, wrote that it has 'no objection to the application on heritage grounds.' Wright, the city councilor, said one of her favorite aspects of living in Bath is 'wherever you are, you can always see trees.' 'That's one of the (reasons) why it's been given World Heritage status, it's not just that it has all this heritage, it has settings of green spaces. Once you put in such a massive commercial development to the heart of the city, you change it.' ___
