Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Local, national, international and oddball news stories

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Fri May 18, 2018 7:33 pm

rebbonk wrote:Somehow, I can't see the Bees riding there again.


Sadly I agree. :cry:
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:33 pm

What next for Brandon Stadium after hundreds turn out for meeting

Image

"The fight goes on" was the rallying call that emerged as hundreds of speedway and stock car racing fans turned out to a public meeting as part of the battle to save Brandon Stadium.

Save Coventry Speedway and Stox Campaign Group organised the event at the Mercure Brandon Hall Hotel on Tuesday.

Cllr Stokes was one of two politicians who addressed the meeting, which was attended by more than 300 people, the other being Rugby MP Mark Pawsey.

Cllr Stokes declared impartiality regarding the ongoing planning application but said the council would appoint an independent expert to review submissions made by both Brandon Estates and the Save Coventry Speedway campaign group.

Mr Pawsey, who grew up in Binley Woods, has been a long-standing supporter of the campaign to save Brandon Stadium.

Speedway and stock car racing fans were joined by local residents.

Also in attendance were speedway riders, including former British Champions Chris Harris and Danny King, and stock car drivers.

Tuesday’s meeting continued with a campaign group presentation summarising the chain of events so far.

There was also a discussion of the local plan process.

The meeting concluded with a call for Rugby Borough Council to reject Brandon Estates’ planning application and support the reinstatement of Brandon Stadium for speedway and stock car racing.

Campaign group spokesman Jeff Davies said: “From our perspective the meeting could not have gone better.

“People who attended are now better informed about the situation, understand what the issues are and why the process is taking so long.

“We have put an immense amount of time and effort into this fight and to see so many passionate people supporting the campaign makes all that effort worthwhile.

“Speaking on behalf of all the members of the campaign group, I promise speedway fans, stock car fans and local residents, we will fight this to the very end and will not give up.

“It’s a battle we’ve always believed we can win and eventually bring the sports ‘home’ for future generations to enjoy.”

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:55 pm

'Absolutely gutted' - campaigners react to major blaze at Brandon Stadium

Image

A campaigner who fought to save the historic Brandon Stadium has said she is “absolutely gutted” after another blaze at the deteriorating site.

Donna Tully said she is resigned to the “slow death” of the dream to save the former home of the Coventry Bees speedway team.

A fire in the grandstand of the dilapidated building sent plumes of white smoke billowing into the nearby area this afternoon (April 17). Six engines, an incident van and an assortment of response cars were called to the site, which six miles east of Coventry in Brandon.

At least a dozen firefighters attended the incident at its height, using a platform and laying down a hose reel from a point on the Rugby Road.

Campaigner Donna Tully said: “I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve been going to that stadium since I was a toddler. The closure was a sad loss to the oval racing community. We had hoped we could save our stadium but as time went on it was inevitable that we were losing the battle.

“Sadly the fire today is one of many and of course something that had always been anticipated within the oval community. It’s a similar trend.

“Not only that but it’s clear that the site isn’t secure enough to stop this from happening. On a whole it’s a slow and painful death of the stadium we once loved. So many fond memories. It’s just really sad.”

At the stadium, plumes of smoke could be seen rising through the roof from behind the entrance to the stadium.

Residents living near the site were advised to close doors and windows in alerts on social media channels issuing advice on behalf of the emergency services.

Four pumps were still in attendance this evening (April 19) as crews continued to bring the fire under control at the site, which is set around half a mile off the Rugby Road.

There were no reports of injuries.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Fri Apr 16, 2021 8:35 pm

Date set for Brandon Stadium trial

Image

A trial over allegations the owners of former Coventry Bees home stadium failed to keep the site secure have taken a step closer.

A trial date has now been set at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

The trial, which is expected to last for four days, is set to start on October 11 this year.

Brandon Estates Ltd is accused of failing to have complied with a community protection notice issued by Rugby Borough Council.

The notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act was intended to prevent unauthorised access to the former motorsport arena, which was once the home of the Coventry Bees speedway team.

The stadium also hosted stock car racing for the Coventry Stox.

Brandon Estates, of St Helier, Jersey, is accused of failing to ensure the site was “suitably and sufficiently” secured against entry by “unauthorised persons or groups” between April 2, 2019 and September 20, 2019.

The allegation relates to “buildings and associated structures” on the former stadium site, which lies six miles east of Coventry in Brandon, Warwickshire.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday October 16 last year the case was moved into the new year, with the prosecution and defence to first agree a schedule aimed at narrowing the facts in dispute after the length of trial was estimated at up to four days.

The list of allegations in the ‘Scott Schedule’ was to be served on the defence within 28 days, who were to respond with comments within 28 days before another hearing at court to see if the issues could be narrowed to reduce the time of the hearing.

On Friday February 5 the case was again listed at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

A spokesman for Rugby Borough Council said that the case was adjourned in October 2020 at the request of the defence (Brandon Estates Ltd).

The case was adjourned until March 26 this year and it was at this hearing that the October 11 trial date was set.

The March 26 hearing was the seventh time the case has been before the courts.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Sun Feb 13, 2022 6:25 pm

Fire breaks out at Coventry Stadium

Image

Up to 30 firefighters battled a blaze at Coventry Stadium last night (February 12).

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines were called to the former home of Coventry Bees speedway team in Rugby Road, Brandon.

It's thought the "derelict fire" started at about 8pm yesterday.

The incident raises yet more fears about security arrangements following a number of fires at the stadium, which has not been used since 2016 when it was closed by the landowners leaving the Bees with nowhere to race.

A fire in the grandstand of the dilapidated building sent plumes of white smoke billowing into the sky when a fire broke out in April 2020.

That incident came just one month after another blaze which appeared to have been started deliberately.

The site, owned by Brandon Estates, was also targeted in January 2018.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Sat Mar 05, 2022 5:54 pm

Coventry Stadium owners issue statement on latest fire at site and redevelopment plans

Image

The owners of Coventry Stadium say they are working closely with security advisors and police to prevent any further suspected arson attacks on the site.

Up to 30 firefighters battled a "derelict fire" at the stadium in Rugby Road, Brandon, which was once home to the Coventry Bees speedway team, on the evening of February 12.

The blaze appeared to be the latest in a long line of arson attacks at the site which has not been used since 2016 when it was closed by landlords Brandon Estates Ltd, effectively making the popular speedway and stock car racing teams homeless.

Brandon Estates is accused of failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice issued by Rugby Borough Council to stop people from trespassing on the site and causing criminal damage which is said to have plagued and alarmed local residents for years.

A spokesman for Brandon Estates said: "We are aware of the incidents of trespassing on the site and continue to work closely with our security advisors and, where appropriate, the police, to secure the site.

"This is an ongoing process given the size of the land in question.

"We will continue to liaise with all relevant local stakeholders on this issue and would urge people to please stay out of the site for their own safety and to respect our neighbours as we seek a long-term solution through the site’s redevelopment."

The notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act was intended to prevent unauthorised access to the former motorsport arena.

The company is accused of failing to ensure the site was "suitably and sufficiently" secured against entry by “unauthorised persons or groups” between April 2, 2019, and September 20, 2019.

The allegation relates to “buildings and associated structures” on the former stadium site.

The case was originally brought before Coventry Magistrates' Court before being adjourned and transferred to Birmingham in September 2020.

Again the case was adjourned and a court date has still not been fixed.

A spokesman for Rugby Borough Council said: "We have been in contact with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service following the fire at Coventry Stadium.

"In terms of the council’s prosecution of Brandon Estates for the alleged breaches of the Community Protection Notice, we have yet to receive a court date."

Last year, Brandon Estates submitted a revised planning application to build 124 homes, a sports pitch and a pavilion on the site.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Sun May 15, 2022 9:56 pm

Devastating blaze at Coventry Stadium being treated as 'arson'

Image

Police have confirmed that the fire which took hold at Coventry Stadium was an alleged arson attack. Crews rushed to extinguish the blaze on Rugby Road, Brandon on Friday (May 13) at around 7pm.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Robert Allen said 'lots of hard work' was involved to prevent the blaze from 'escalating.' Nearby residents said they are becoming increasingly concerned as the fire is the second at the stadium in a matter of months.

Crews last tackled a blaze at the former home of the Coventry Bees speedway team in February. A spokesman for Brandon Estates previously said that they are 'aware' of trespassing on the site and are working 'closely' with security advisors to 'secure' the site.

Bosses say they are liaising with 'relevant local stakeholders' and have urged people to stay out of the site 'for their own safety.' It was also said that they do not believe reopening the stadium for speedway and stock car racing would be 'financially viable.'

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: "Incident on Rugby Road is being treated as arson. Officers attended to put road closures in place.

"Anyone with information that could help with enquiries should call 101 quoting incident 382 of 13 May. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Tue May 17, 2022 3:21 pm

More details on suspected arson attack at Brandon Stadium

Image

More details have been released about a blaze at Brandon Stadium at the weekend. Five fire crews spent around four hours at the site which took hold o Friday evening (May 13).

Police have said the fire is being treated as an arson attack and the investigation continues.

The blaze happened at the former speedway and stock car racing venue on Rugby Road at around 7pm on Friday. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have since issued an update on the fire.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were alerted at 7.09pm on Friday, May 13, to reports of a fire at a derelict building at the Coventry Racing Club Limited, Coventry Stadium, Rugby Road, Brandon. Five crews attended the scene and, on arrival, found a three-storey building, measuring approximately 50 x 25m, which was 100 per cent smoke-logged.

"Crews extinguished the fire and were at the scene for around four hours. Guidance was given to local residents to close windows due to a large amount of smoke in the area."

Nearby residents said they are becoming increasingly concerned as the fire is the second at the stadium in a matter of months. Crews last tackled a blaze at the former home of the Coventry Bees speedway team in February.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: "The incident on Rugby Road is being treated as arson. Officers attended to put road closures in place.

"Anyone with information that could help with enquiries should call 101, quoting incident 382 of May 13. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Details can also be passed on online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:47 pm

Brandon Stadium saved from becoming housing

Image

Campaigners have emerged victorious in a long-running battle to save a speedway stadium from being turned into housing. Brandon Stadium, which is currently derelict, was home of Coventry Bees speedway team until 2016, and was recommended for approval to be turned into housing in a council report.

However, an alternative motion was filed at Rugby Borough Council's Planning Committee Meeting by Councillor Adam Daly to instead reject the application. The motion was seconded by Councillor Toby Lawrence and was passed unanimously by the committee yesterday (November 9).

Chairman of the Committee, Tim Willis, said: "The officer in the report recommends approval. As of yet, there has been no move for approval. We have in front of us Councillor Daly, seconded by Councillor Lawrence, a movement to refusal with delegated authority to the officers to draft those reasons clearly and concisely."

The vote was taken on the newly-proposed movement to refuse plans for the development, which was passed unanimously by members of Rugby Town Council's Planning Committee. There was cheers and applause in the chamber's public gallery as the motion was carried to reject plans to build 124 homes on the site of the stadium.

Supporters from Save Coventry Speedway had gathered outside Rugby Town Hall prior to the meeting in a bid to save the site from being tuned into a housing estate. It is unknown if the land owners Brandon Estates intend to appeal the decision.

Save Coventry Bees spokesman Jeff Davies said: "We’re absolutely delighted with the verdict of the Planning Committee, and we’re very grateful to the elected councillors of Rugby Borough for making this unanimous decision. Six years of hard work has come to fruition tonight, and we couldn’t be more pleased.

"We can only take each step at a time, and so far the developers have failed to get onto the Local Plan, they’ve failed with their original speculative application, and they’ve now failed with a second speculative application, this time at Committee. Whatever comes next, we will fight that too, and if it’s an appeal on behalf of the developers we will fight it with the same enthusiasm and vigour as we’ve done with this one.

"In the light of this decision, though, we would urge the current owners to come forward and do the right thing, and talk to Warren Hunter about selling the stadium to him, for the sports to be able to come back to Brandon. We want to see the stadium reinstated to its former glory. We have always argued that a sports pitch in no way compensates for the loss of the motorsports stadium, and we’re very grateful too for the support of Sport England, who also reiterated that point recently."

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Brandon Stadium, home of Coventry Bees, 'has been sold'

Postby dutchman » Tue Nov 22, 2022 5:50 pm

Coventry Stadium owner hit with £64k bill after site safety breaches

Image

The owner of Coventry Stadium has been fined £10,000 after being found guilty of failing to secure the land from trespassers and encampments. The stadium in Brandon, and the land surrounding it, has been the subject of several arson attacks in recent years.

The site, formerly home to the Coventry Bees speedway team, has also been targeted by traveller camps. Its owner Brandon Estates Limited, which recently had its application to build 124 houses on the site rejected, has now been fined by breaching a Community Protection Notice (CPN).

District Judge David Wain also ordered the Jersey-based firm to pay Rugby Borough Council's £54,000 legal costs at the end of a three-day trial at Birmingham Magistrates Court. At the trial, Brandon Estates pleaded not guilty to two counts of breaching the CPN - one between April and September 2019 and another between May and September 2021. The court was told buildings on the site contained asbestos, which posed a significant risk to people accessing the site and, in the event of fire, the wider community.

The court also heard security at the site was a serious concern for WFRS, which feared a major fire at the stadium and the risk to firefighters attending the site. Security experts gave evidence on behalf of the council and Brandon Estates.

Both agreed the stadium site, blighted by several arson attacks this year, was difficult to secure, but CCTV cameras, security dogs and metal shutters were all cited as measures which could have helped. Paul Easter, the security expert who gave evidence on behalf of the defence, said all three measures relied on support from the police in order to be effective.

That support was only available, he said, when security breaches were considered to be serious. Jon Burgwin, a representative of Brandon Estates, told the court the options of CCTV cameras and security dogs had been dismissed by the company on the grounds of cost, while he cast doubt on the effectiveness of metal shutters.

On delivering his guilty verdict, District Judge Wain said it was unreasonable to expect the company to install CCTV or pay for security dogs to guard the site. But he said the company's failure to secure main access points with metal shutters breached the CPN, which stated all buildings and structures "must be suitably and sufficiently secured to resist attempts at access by unauthorised persons."

During the trial, the court was told the estimated cost of installing metal shutters was £15,000. Brandon Estates was fined £5,000 for each breach of the CPN and was ordered to pay the council's £54,000 costs and a £190 victim surcharge.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

PreviousNext

Return to News

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 11 guests

  • Ads