Council Gives Football Club Yet Another Assist

he Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) has once again approved the release of land at Braywick Park for Maidenhead United Football Club's proposed new stadium, reaffirming a decision that was temporarily revisited following procedural concerns over public consultation. The National League South side, which has played at York Road since 1871, hopes to relocate to a modern stadium at Braywick Park after more than 150 years at what is widely regarded as the world's oldest senior football ground continuously used by the same club. The latest cabinet vote confirms the council's support for the land transfer, although the project still requires planning permission and completion of a long-term lease before construction can begin. Decision Revisited After Consultation Concerns The council initially backed the land release in April. However, the matter returned to cabinet after it emerged that 148 public objections had not been published at least five working days before the original meeting, as recommended under local government guidance. To ensure transparency, councillors agreed to reconsider the proposal after allowing additional time to review every submission. During Wednesday's meeting, cabinet members voted to reaffirm the original decision. Adam Bermange, RBWM's lead member for planning and governance, said councillors had now spent more than seven weeks reviewing individual objections and believed the consultation had been fully considered. He stated that every objection had been examined carefully before the cabinet reached its final decision. Stadium Proposal Includes Investment in Community Sports As part of the agreement, Maidenhead United has offered £2.5 million for the Braywick Park site. According to the proposal: £2 million would be reinvested into sports facilities at Braywick Park. Planned improvements include refurbishing the athletics track and enhancing other community sporting infrastructure. The football club must still negotiate a 999-year lease with the council. A full planning application will also need approval before any development can begin. Supporters of the project argue that the investment will modernise local sporting facilities while providing Maidenhead United with a stadium capable of supporting its long-term ambitions. Residents Continue to Voice Opposition Despite the renewed approval, local opposition remains significant. Residents and campaign groups argue that Braywick Park is an important public green space whose loss would affect local families, schools and community wellbeing. Objector Andrew Hill urged councillors to reconsider, saying hundreds of residents had appealed for the land to remain protected. He highlighted the park's importance to pupils at Forest Bridge School, particularly children with complex special educational needs, arguing that the open environment plays a valuable role in their daily lives. Activists have consistently maintained that alternative locations should be explored before developing one of the town's key public recreational areas. Club Welcomes Renewed Backing Following the cabinet's decision, Maidenhead United welcomed the renewed support. The club said it was the council had once again recognised the spacious benefits the project could bring to Braywick Park and Maidenhead as a whole. Officials added that they would continue engaging with residents and stakeholders while preparing a formal planning application later this year. What Happens Next? Although the council has reaffirmed its consent to release the land, the project is far from complete. The club must now: Finalise the proposed 999-year lease with RBWM. Submit a detailed planning application. Address planning and environmental concerns during the approval process. Continue public consultation as the development moves forward. Only after planning permission is granted can work begin on constructing the proposed stadium. A Defining Moment for Maidenhead United The decision represents another significant milestone in Maidenhead United's long-running search for a modern home. While supporters view the move as essential for the club's future growth and financial sustainability, opponents continue to argue that protecting Braywick Park should remain the council's priority. With planning approval still outstanding, the debate over balancing sporting development with preservation of public green space is likely to continue in the months ahead.