THE fight to save Coventry Bees’ speedway’s historic stadium at Brandon from housing development has received a boost – as the campaign prepares to step up its battle.
A government-appointed planning inspector has confirmed Rugby Borough Council’s Local Plan – a blueprint for future development to be rubberstamped next month – must protect such sporting sites.
Inspector Mike Hayden ordered the Local Plan should state existing sports and recreational buildings should NOT be built on unless surplus to requirements or are being replaced elsewhere.
The Bring Bees Back to Coventry campaign – supported by our Save Our Bees campaign and politicians – has called for the 90-year-old club’s return to the Coventry area.
A multi-party stadium dispute resulted in the Coventry Bees temporarily riding in Leicester last year in speedway’s third tier.
A planning application by developers Brandon Estates for 130 new homes – submitted in January last year – could now going before a planning committee within weeks.
It would have to take into account the protections in both the Local Plan and the Brandon and Bretford Neighbourhood Plan.
A council commissioned independent consultant’s report to inform the committee is also expected imminently.
Lead campaigner Jeff Davies told us: “We would find it staggering if Rugby council were to approve the application given the weight of opposition against it.
“We believe that there are serious people that would take on the stadium and save the club.
“We believed all along and we are optimistic that we will see a return of the sport to the area.
“We hope that will be at Brandon, as do the residents, who want the stadium to remain.
“It puts Brandon on the map.
“Our hope is that the developers see that the stadium is going nowhere and we can sit down and talk to find a resolution that satisfies everyone.”
More than 1,800 letters of objection have been submitted to the council against the housing plans, campaigners say.
A letter signed by 11 MPs including Rugby MP Mark Pawsey also went to Parliament.
The club no longer competes. Its promoter Coventry Speedway Ltd dissolved in January.
We have contacted Brandon Estates for comment.
