The Grandstand

OliverH wrote:[An offline supporter has asked me to post:]

Is there any scope for changes to the proposed new grandstand, or has that been locked in by the planning application?  locked in

If so, is it possible to raise the first level of the stand by a few feet? This would improve the sightlines in the event that the lower steps are later converted to seats. At present it seems that the first step is at pitch level, which may not give good sightlines for spectators seated on the front row.

The height of the stand has implications on the height of the residential building. You can imagine the outcry if it was announced that this was to be increased further. A solution may be to not put seats in that first row if at a later date the terracing was replaced and leave that for access.    

Also, it would be good to see solar panels on the grandstand roof - it's a socially responsible thing for a community-owned club to do. The present designs feature a north-facing slope, which precludes this. Is there any scope to change this to a pitched roof? This might also be more in keeping with the traditional character of Twerton Park.
The flat roof over the accommodation block at the west end is designated for solar panels. This also gives a chance to arrange them to the most beneficial angle. Placing them on the stand may not be the best angle.
A south facing roof has a number of implications
- you have to deal with having a gutter on the leading edge and then having rainwater pipes that run to the back and drop to the ground.
- Keeping the leading edge where it is currently drawn to maintain good views from the back of the stand means that the height of the stand would increase significantly. See the answer above about the implications of this in the planning application.
- Keeping the rear height of the stand as drawn but then having a south facing roof at a good angle for solar panels potentially means the leading edge comes down to such a height that the view from the back of the stand will be significantly compromised.
- From a structural engineering perspective and the use of cantilevers to make up the roof structure, having the roof in its current design configuration has benefits.