COUNCILLORS have voted unanimously to move hundreds of gymnasts out of their new home in Blackbird Leys.

The decision was made tonight by Oxford City Council's review committee to reject a planning application which would allow Cherwell Gymnastics Club to stay at its base in Ashville Way.

Councillors stood by officer's concerns that changing the buildings use would mean a loss of employment space and goes against the council's Local Plan.

Councillor James Fry, who chaired the meeting, said it is with a "heavy heart" that the council had unanymously decided to reject the application.

But added this would not be implemented immediately and discussions would now take place to be 'considerate' of the club's circumstances for moving on.

It is the third time to application has been heard by the council after it was originally agreed by councillors for the change of use from offices to leisure in October.

But neighbouring company Mayfield Press, who is hoping to expand into the space, appealed the decision and it was brought back before councillors.

Despite the lodged appeal Cherwell Gymnastics Club moved into the site, but in a council U-turn at the second hearing were told the change of use was rejected and they would have to move out.

Tonight was the third time the case was heard by a fresh committee of councillors, after being called-in for not previously advertising it as a departure from the Local Plan.

But the previous decision was upheld and Cherwell Gymnastics Club will now be faced with finding a new home.

Cherwell Gymnastics Club president Sarah Fry said: "We are obviously very disappointed.
"We felt quite positive going into the tonight, although it was always going to be 50/50.

"They obviously chose to go with the Local Plan and not consider our extenuating circumstances."

A crowd of youngsters attended the meeting in a bid to show the club's support after what it says has been more than five years looking for suitable premises in the city.