RESIDENTS in Blackbird Leys are formally opposing plans to develop the Oxford Stadium.

Blackbird Leys Parish Council has officially agreed to support the continued use of the Oxford Stadium for sport.

Proposals to demolish the stadium and build more than 200 homes on the Sandy Lane site went on display this week.

Developer Risk Capital Partners and Gillard Homes claims the stadium is underused and wants to build flats and houses on the site.

But at a parish council meeting on Tuesday, chairman Gordon Roper said: “This stadium is part of Oxford and if it goes, it will be gone forever.

“I feel it is a piece of Blackbird Leys’ history. We grew up with it here and it should stay.”

In a motion, councillors officially opposed the development and said they wished the stadium to be used for greyhound racing and speedway.

Members of the Oxford Speedway Supporters’ Club also attended the meeting to raise their concerns.

The development would be the final nail in the coffin for the return of speedway to the site after five years.

Chairman Gavin Beckley told councillors: “If this went ahead, we feel that would be the end of Oxford Speedway.”

Blackbird Leys city councillor Rae Humberstone said: “We need to keep speedway in Oxford. It is as much a part of our heritage as football.”

A public consultation at the Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre finished last night.

A spokesman for real estate firm Savills emphasised the plans were still in draft form. A planning application is expected over the next few months.