Maidenhead United 'shocked' at land deal refusal

Maidenhead United has played at its York Road ground since 1871

A football club has expressed "shock" after a council changed its mind about selling land for a new stadium.

Maidenhead United FC agreed in 2022 to buy land at Braywick Park for £460,000.

However, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead dropped the deal on 27 July after 22 members of the public wrote formal objections.

Members of the council's cabinet said the benefits of the new stadium were outweighed by the loss of public open space.

The National League club had agreed to move out of its current home in York Road, which has been in use since 1871 and is the oldest continuously-used football ground in the world.

It would have bought nine acres (four hectares) or nearly a quarter of Maidenhead's largest public open space, which is already occupied by several sports facilities.

Several sports facilities are already based at Braywick Park

Cabinet members voiced concerns over the loss of space and the valuation of the land.

The council said: "We appreciate this is not the outcome the club was hoping for and we would like to thank them for their patience while Cabinet took the necessary time to consider their proposal and the public objections received."

In a statement, the club said: "Sadly, this decision will also have implications for the growth and impact of the programmes we deliver through our Community Trust including our well-being programmes.

"Maidenhead Athletic Club no doubt will be equally concerned about the implications of this decision for their sustainability and growth given that they will not benefit from the improved facilities they need.

"We will now take some time to consider our position and our next steps."