OXFORD Stadium looks set to be officially given special status as a heritage asset.

A report before the city council executive next week strongly recommends approval for adding the Sandy Lane stadium to its Heritage Asset Register.

The move to make the site in Blackbird Leys one of historic importance will strengthen attempts to preserve it in the face of development.

Head of city development Michael Crofton-Briggs said in his report: “As a venue for their social activities and pastimes for over 70 years the stadium has become valued as a symbol for the community of Cowley and Blackbird Leys.

“Its use contributes to the interaction and cohesiveness of the community. The stadium is a rare feature in Oxford’s historic landscape.”

The stadium, built in 1938, is currently the subject of a battle between developers Galliard Homes and campaigners who want to see it preserved.

As a heritage asset, any future planning decision would have to consider the significance total loss or change would have.

Ian Sawyer, chairman for campaigners Save Oxford Stadium, added: “This, hopefully, will provide another layer of protection. It can never be replaced once it is gone. The facilities in there are top notch and we simply won’t get another place like it. We don’t need more homes there, we need things to do.”

Earlier this week the Oxford Mail revealed the application by planning agent Savills to demolish it in place of homes has been put on hold.

Savills has written to Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in a bid to avoid carrying out impact tests.

The city council insists the developers carry out an Environment Impact Assessment which could derail the plan by Galliard Homes to build 225 houses on the land.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, said: “It will be another string to the bow of getting the planning application turned down, and it will make a difference in winning any appeal against refusal if the developers go to the Secretary of State.

“The affection local people feel for the stadium certainly make it part of our heritage which we want to keep.”

The report, which will be discussed on Wednesday at 5pm at the Town Hall, includes the results of public consultation on the asset bid. Between April and May, 76 people responded online, with 87 per cent backing the report.

The developers claim the stadium does not have architectural or aesthetic interest.

A spokesman for Irish businessman Paschal Taggart, who is interested in reopening the stadium, said last night: “He is watching the situation like a hawk and is still very much interested in re-opening it for racing and leisure purposes, and is awaiting the first opportunity. When this moves, it could all move very quickly.”

No one from Galliard Homes was available for comment.

TIMELINE

  • 1938 – Stadium built
  • 1939 – First greyhound race
  • 1999 – Owners Greyhound Racing Association (GRA) add more seats
  • 2000 – Named Stadium of the Year by British Greyhound Racing Board
  • 2005 – GRA taken over by body including Galliard Homes
  • 2012 – Site shut down by GRA
  • 2013 – Campaign to save it launched

To give your views to the Communities and Local Government Department, email npcu@communities.gsi.gov.uk using reference number L ON 130514 NPCU PLANNING APPLICATION.