COVENTRY PLANNING APPEAL DISMISSED

AN Appeal over a planning application to redevelop Coventry’s Brandon Stadium has been dismissed by the Inspector.

Brandon is one of British Speedway’s most significant venues, having hosted top national and international events as well as being home to the Bees at the top level of the sport for sixty years.

It was closed in the winter of 2016/17 as developers pursued plans for housing and, subsequently, a 3G football pitch, which was rejected last winter by the local Planning Committee.

That decision has now been upheld following a public inquiry, in which representatives for Rugby Borough Council and the Save Coventry Speedway & Stox Campaign Group produced evidence and key witnesses in support of the stadium.

The Appeal was dismissed on the grounds that the stadium with its established use is not surplus to requirements and the ‘benefits’ of the alternative provision do not outweigh the loss of the stadium, therefore putting the proposals in conflict with various sections of national and local legislation.

British Speedway welcomes the decision taken by the Inspector, who also did not accept the characterisation of our sport given by the Appellant.

We hope this brings the prospect of a return of racing at Brandon one step closer, and that it will also provide a boost for other established venues threatened by the possibility of development.