1 week Ago
CAMPAIGNERS trying to bring motor racing back to Coventry Stadium in Brandon have confirmed they are working with a consortium to achieve their goal. The Save Coventry Speedway (SCS) campaign group is also urging residents to back a Rugby Borough Council (RBC) proposal supporting the restoration of the stadium – the former home of the Coventry Bees speedway team – and protecting it from future redevelopment. Stadium owners Brandon Estates first presented a proposal to build homes on the site in 2014, with the venue closing in 2016.
Rugby Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously refused the plan in 2022, with a subsequent appeal rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in 2024. A spokesperson for Save Coventry Speedway and Stox said: “Supporters will remember that in 2020 an offer to buy the stadium was made by businessman and stock car enthusiast Warren Hunter – an offer which was never accepted or refused by the owners. “It is now an appropriate time to confirm that we are working with a consortium of committed individuals, which includes Mr Hunter, all of whom are credible businesspeople and who possess the financial, technical and operational capabilities to firstly secure and clear up the site in a timely manner, and then to restore the site for racing.
“We are fully confident that with the support of Rugby Borough Council to gain control of the site, it will be possible to speedily end the years of misery for local residents and motorsports fans following the forced closure of the stadium.” The group is encouraging supporters to back a policy in RBC’s new Local Plan – which is currently under public consultation – which states: “The council supports the restoration of Coventry Stadium for speedway and stock car racing and other motor sports together with other community uses. “Planning permission will not be granted for development proposals which would conflict with these objectives.
” The spokesperson added: “We are asking all speedway and stock car supporters – plus local residents who also want the site to remain as a motorsports venue – to please send an e-mail or letter of support to the council, and to possibly add some brief explanation as to why the stadium is important to you personally. “The previous Local Plan consultation resulted in one of the largest responses in RBC history with specific regard to Brandon, and it is absolutely crucial that we now look to match or exceed that response. “This is a critical moment in the campaign, and every single response really is important.
” RBC leader Coun Michael Moran said the stadium continuing as a derelict site was not an option. He added: “A viable business plan for a new stadium must be put forward and underpinned by external independent professional advisers. “I am due to meet the SCS Group in the coming weeks, and after that I will hopefully meet with Brandon Estates once again.
Then for everyone’s benefit we will soon be in a position where the Brandon site can come forward – as clearly continuing as a derelict site for another decade helps nobody. “Rugby Borough Council can then look to make a formal statement on the matter as soon as it is able.” The Local Plan consultation period ends on May 19.
Responses can be sent by email to [email protected] with ‘Preferred Option Consultation’ in the subject line, or by post to Preferred Option Consultation, Development Strategy Team, Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby, CV21 2RR. Names and addresses must be included..
