Bath Rugby has been given permission to expand its stadium capacity by 1,000 seats as it works towards a full development proposal.

The Bath and North East Somerset Development Management Committee has granted four-year planning consent for the Premiership club to devise a development plan for the Recreation Ground, as well as enhancing its temporary West Stand to bring capacity up to 14,500 seats from 13,500.

The increase in capacity is expected to bring in an extra £5m to the local economy over the next four year.

“By consolidating planning for the next four years, we wish to move the debate away from planning around the temporary stands – which need to be reviewed every year or two – and focus on working with all stakeholders within the city to produce a full development proposal,” said Tarquin McDonald, managing director of Bath Rugby.

McDonald said the club “remained committed” to providing a “world-class facility” in the centre of Bath which would also be available for community use.

“In the meantime, the much-needed redevelopment of the West Stand will provide our supporters with the best possible game experience, with improved sight lines, more legroom and enhanced facilities,” he added.

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