THE DRAFT schedule has been released for the appeal inquiry for controversial thrown-out plans to build on the site of the iconic Coventry Speedway.
After being adjourned in late September, the inquiry will resume on Monday, November 27 at 9.30am, with another date scheduled to start at the same time the following day.
The plans for Brandon Stadium were unanimously refused by Rugby Borough Council’s planning committee last November.
The thrown-out plans for 124 homes, reduced from 137, included access to the site from Rugby Road, with 20 per cent of the houses built being affordable.
Proposals also included open space, infrastructure, a 3G football pitch, a pavilion and a car park.
Rugby council’s reason for refusal stated the development would result in the loss of a sporting facility with both local and national significance.
It added although an alternative sporting provision, the 3G pitch, was proposed, there was not a ‘clearly identified need’ for it.
The authority considered the proposed benefits of the new facility to not clearly outweigh the loss of the stadium.
Brandon Estates’ appeal claims evidence provided demonstrated a demand for additional 3G pitches.
It further claims data collected relating to Coventry City and Rugby Borough Council’s playing field assessments showed the number of existing pitches in both authorities areas was insufficient against demand generated by existing local clubs and their teams.
Other appeal points included claims of declining attendance at speedway events, both at Coventry Stadium and nationwide, as well as the number of active teams, and events held across each site.
It also argues the capital costs of reinstating the stadium, alongside the operational costs, meant it would be ‘completely unviable’ and was ‘clearly outweighed’ by the benefit offered by creating the proposed sports pitch.
Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-ZBnIzmSQs to watch Monday’s inquiry and www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqoFQ4X2CgU to watch Tuesday’s meeting.
