Contentious plans to expand a popular shopping centre have been given the green light despite widespread public opposition.

Cherwell District Council's planning committee voted in favour of expanding Bicester Village during a meeting on Thursday. 

This will lead to the designer outlet centre being redeveloped to provide a new public park, a car and cycle hub as well as additional guest services.

But the proposal lodged by the owner of Bicester Village has raised many concerns among the public, particularly with regards to Oxford Road Sports Ground, which the new development will build over.

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Conservative district councillor Dan Sames, who represents Bicester South laid down the reasons for his objection during the planning meeting.

He said: “There’s already a deficiency in recreational space in Bicester, and this development would mean the loss of two rugby pitches, one football pitch and the club houses.

“It’s encouraging that Value Retail are have allocated £1.1 million towards replacement facilities, but it would take at least £1.5 million to replace the facilities being lost at Oxford Road Sports Ground.

“We are supposed to be getting equivalent or better provision, and this is not happening.

“The design review panel support this application. They say it’s designed to a high standard.

"While that may be the case, it is still just a car park. The design standard isn’t very high in the first place.”

Liberal Democrats and Independent councillors Chris Pruden and Nick Cotter echoed Mr Sames’ points and objected to the proposal.

Head of the campaign group ‘Save Oxford Road Sports Ground’ Roger Wise said: “I ask the members of this committee to refuse this application.

“Oxford Road Sports Ground has been used for local sport for over 100 years. This proposal would mean the change of use of a protected sports site. It should remain a sports site.

“I have been part of this campaign for 12 years. The local community has overwhelmingly said no to the loss of more green space.”

Senior real estate director at The Bicester Collection, Richard Gough, added: “We sincerely believe our scheme will deliver a great many benefits to the people of Bicester.

“There will be a new park where residents and villagers of all ages can connect with their natural surroundings, as well as new and improved cycle and pedestrian routes.”

A concluding speech was given by Conservative county councillor Ian Corkin, deputy leader of Cherwell District Council, who recalled the social importance the sporting ground’s club houses used to hold.

He said: “People would gather there to drink beer, to eat chilli, to admire the team shirts, ties, trophies and pictures on the walls.

“But nostalgia for an old sports ground will not fly today. We are governed by rules, not emotion.”

The councillors voted in favour by 11 to five for the application to go ahead.