A RALLYING cry has gone out to motorsports fans to get behind a council policy which supports the restoration and protection of Coventry Stadium in Brandon.
Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) new Loal Plan – which is currently out to public consultation, having gained council approval – includes a policy endorsing the restoration of the stadium for speedway, stock car racing and other motor sports.
The policy would also protect the site – the former home of the Coventry Bees speedway racing team – from future redevelopment.
The Save Coventry Speedway and Stox (SCS) campaign group is calling on supporters to back the policy by responding to the consultation.
A spokesperson said RBC voting in favour of the Local Plan was a ‘very significant milestone’ in the effort to restore the stadium.
They added: “It’s another huge boost to the campaign to return the site to its rightful motorsports use.
“Last year, an amazing 1,530 people submitted a response supporting a section of the draft Local Plan relating to the restoration and reopening of Coventry Stadium.
“Everyone who previously submitted a response will have received details of the new six-week consultation, and it is important to stress that this is a new stage of the process.
“This is another critical moment in the campaign, and every expression of support is really important – whether you were one of the original 1,530 respondents, or are able to offer support at this stage having not done so before.”
Stadium owners Brandon Estates first proposed to demolish the stadium and build homes on the site in 2014, with the venue closing in 2016.
Rugby Borough Council’s planning committee refused a revised application in 2022, with a subsequent appeal against that decision rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in 2024.
The company has drawn up revised proposals for up to 115 new homes alongside a ‘fully restored’ speedway track.
In November, the company drew up revised proposals for up to 115 new homes alongside a ‘fully restored’ speedway track.
Last year, the Midlands International Raceway Limited (MIRL) consortium group – backed by SCS – revealed plans to buy the stadium and restore it for racing.
The SCS spokesperson said further updates on the consortium’s bid would be provided ‘in due course’.
SCS and MIRL intend to submit a joint response to the consultation in support of the Local Plan by the end of this month. Email [email protected] to contribute, including full names and addresses.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/proposed-submission-local-plan for more information on the Local Plan and to take part in the public consultation, which runs until Friday March 13.
