Plans for the leisure complex at Oxford United's new ground have been submitted to the city council, writes Mark Templeton.

The planning de partment has received an application to build a leisure centre, nine-screen cinema and 26-lane bowling alley.

The multi-million pound scheme also includes a nightclub, bingo hall, health and fitness centre and aerobic and dance studios.

The move follows a High Court battle with pub chain Morrells of Oxford over an old covenant that would have prevented the sale of alcohol at the leisure complex. The project was also the subject of a High Court case when developer Pentith applied for a judicial review after its application for a multiplex cinema and leisure complex at the Oxpens site was rejected.

The action was later withdrawn.

Club chairman Firoz Kassam had threatened to pull the plug on the new stadium unless the complex was approved.

The plans are likely to be considered by city councillors next month. The news has sent a signal to fans that work on the half-built stadium at Minchery Farm is a step nearer to being restarted.