The future of Oxford United was today guaranteed when a multi-million pound leisure development was finally given the go-ahead.

Oxford City Council gave its backing to the huge scheme which will kick-start work on the unfinished Minchery Farm stadium.

The news will please thousands of fans who have waited four years for the dream 15,000-seater ground to become reality.

Delighted chairman Firoz Kassam, who was at the Town Hall this morning for the decision, hinted work could start as soon as Monday.

He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled. I believe this decision today safeguards the future of Oxford United."

He added that he would be making a fuller statement later in the day.

The planning application could have been scuppered by millionaire farmer Les Wells who owns land next to the leisure development.

He told the council that he owns part of the land where the development would be.

At the meeting this morning, a spokesman for Mr Wells warned he was likely to apply for a judicial review to stop the scheme going ahead.

Talks are now expected to take place behind close doors to persuade Mr Wells not to apply for the review.

Mr Kassam refused to comment on the issue.

Lord Mayor of Oxford Maureen Christian demanded work should start at the stadium immediately.

She said: "The city council has done everything it can to make sure that the new stadium is completed."

The leisure plans include a nightclub, bingo hall, multiplex cinema, fitness studios and bowling alley.

The club has faced many obstacles, including High Court battles, before today's announcement.

Mr Kassam had said he would not complete the stadium if the leisure scheme was not approved.

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