RUGBY Borough Council Members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of approving the emerging Local Plan – which includes specific designation of Brandon Stadium as a speedway and stock car venue.
It’s another huge boost to the campaign to return the site to its rightful motorsports use, which is backed by substantial investment and expertise from a Consortium comprising five highly credible businessmen.
The stadium last staged motorsport in autumn 2016 prior to being closed by owners Brandon Estates who have unsuccessfully pursued a planning application for housing, from refusal by the Council’s Planning Committee to an appeal at a Public Inquiry, which was also turned down.
The owners also have two criminal convictions after a court appearance for breaching a Community Protection Notice having repeatedly failed to secure the site.
Talks between the Campaign Group, the Consortium and the Council took place throughout 2025 with senior officers and Leader Michael Moran fully supportive of the vision.
The emerging Local Plan includes the crucial Policy W1B, which states:
“The council supports the restoration of Coventry Stadium, Brandon 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.”
A lengthy debate over all aspects of the Local Plan took place at Council headquarters on Tuesday evening.
During this debate, Cllr Moran once again affirmed his support, stating: “I’m delighted we’ve now got clear protection for sites such as the Brandon Stadium, the Old Laurentians rugby ground, Kilsby Lane (Rugby Borough FC) and Butlin Road (Rugby Town FC).”
Members then voted to approve the plan, with 31 in favour, five against and two abstentions. This approval means the Local Plan now progresses to the Regulation 19 phase, which is a six-week consultation prior to submission to the Secretary of State and a Public Examination.
At the appropriate time, we will ask those supporting the reinstatement of Brandon, to submit representations to the Inspector.
We know we have asked for these representations on previous occasions, so we must stress this is a new process, and the inclusion of this Policy in the Local Plan is hugely significant.
The approval from the Council Members is great news for those who wish to see Brandon Stadium reinstated for its former 88-year use for speedway and stock car racing, and also very encouraging news for the Consortium of businessmen working towards that objective.
We will provide further updates on the activities of the Consortium in due course, and rest assured that whenever it is appropriate to put information into the public domain, we will do so.
For now, let's celebrate another very significant milestone in the effort to see Brandon Stadium return for the speedway and stock car fraternity and for the local community who overwhelmingly support that objective.
