Football fans have been left disappointed after a controversial decision not to give land at Braywick Park to their club was upheld.

Maidenhead United had agreed in 2022 with Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (RBWM) to take on the land for a reported £460,000, with this land earmarked for the club’s new stadium.

The new council administration moved in July this year to block the release of the land, citing concerns around loss of public open space.

However, the decision was reconsidered by cabinet members on December 13 after a petition started by fan Shay Bottomley attracted more than 2,000 signatures – far more than the 1,000 needed to be considered for council debate.

Speaking before councillors, Mr Bottomley said: “The fundamental basis of what we are discussing tonight is whether we want to take a positive step in the right direction regarding the future of our town, or let a neglected section of Braywick sports and recreation ground continue in emptiness.”

He added: “Residents will be able to enjoy new multi-million pound facilities at no cost to the council or the taxpayer.”

It comes amid the club’s plans to move from its historic ground at York Road, which is believed to be the oldest continuously-used football ground in the world.

A counter-petition urging the council to uphold its decision from July was also considered by cabinet, which was started by resident Douglas Watts and drew more than 1,000 signatures.

Mr Watts, who supports preserving the public open space, told councillors: “While I understand the desire for progress, I question why Braywick is the right place.

“This decision threatens amenities like a free running track, a children's play area, a popular gym, and facilities used by the Rugby Club.”

He claimed: “There are clear alternatives for progress without sacrificing our community essence and open space.”

While councillors ultimately agreed to uphold the July decision to not release the land, councillor Joshua Reynolds characterised it as a “really difficult decision for us to make.”

He also noted that he had received dozens of emails from people on both sides of the debate arguing their case.

Councillor Lynne Jones said: “I’m finding it really hard, because I can see the benefits, and I can see the social benefits of it – but it to me, we’re not using our policies that we have set down. I believe it should be kept as open space.”

Maidenhead United had planned to use the land at Braywick Park for their new stadium.

Following the cabinet’s decision, council leader Simon Werner said: “I know it’s been a tough decision for all of us.

“Whichever way we go, we’re going to upset people, but now we’ve made the decision and it’s really important for me to move forward with this.”