A COUNCIL U-turn on whether to change an employment area into a home for a popular gymnastics club has raised questions as to whether there are adequate sports facilities in the city.

Cherwell Gymnastics Club are in a battle over whether to to allow it to settle in a new home in Ashville Way, Blackbird Leys, which could now go before councillors for a third time.

It was given the go-ahead to move in October after a five year struggle finding a home but neighbouring business Mayfield Press successfully challenged the decision last week, meaning the club will have to move out.

The printing business - who hope to expand into the area - said the application was not initially advertised as going against the Local Plan, a document which designates which land can be used for development and allocates the site employment use.

If the company is not able to expand, it says it will have to move elsewhere putting dozens of jobs at risk.

Mayfield Press managing director Cameron Thomson said it is up to the council to find an alternative space which is not allocated for business.

He said: "I appreciate it is a popular club and I support their requirements for a suitable location. I believe them when they say it has taken five years to find.

"If the decision goes back for a third time so be it, it is for the council to find a solution.

"One would be to find a fantastic new gym some where else for the club, one that is not damaging my business at the same time."

It currently employs 85 people ahead of the expected expansion of which 35 people hope to move into the site.

The gymnastics club, run by Hazel Walsh, has spent thousands of pounds the site and has said the decision to kick it out could leave it struggling to survive.

However, uncertainty remains as despite not receiving backing from East Area Planning Committee in the second vote, after member Cllr Mary Clarkson called the decision in. If she wins support from a dozen of her colleagues the application will be heard again.

Cllr Dick Wolff, who is on the committee, said it sparks the question as to whether there enough Oxford's sporting facilities in the city.

He added: "I do sympathise with the gymnastics club because as Hazel said they were at breaking point.

"It raises a question about what we have in terms of adequate sporting facilities in Oxford.

"It is a relevant issue at a time that we are currently reviewing our Local Plan.

"I have raised the issue of do we nee to look at our sports provision, we have awards for sports and leisure but its not the same as sporting facilities.

"The requirements are a bit different for example the gymnastics club need something like a 30m run up or 15m height - it is very specific.

"It is a real pinch point.

"As a councillor I would ask does the Local Plan need more dedicated sporting facilities and would be asking sports clubs for their feedback."