PLANS to build a controversial relief road around Witney town centre have moved one step closer, following the failure of the latest bid to stop it.

The Cogges Link Road, hailed as the answer to the town’s notorious Bridge Street bottleneck, was approved by Oxfordshire County Council in April last year.

But opponent Owen Edwards applied for Town Green status to protect Witney Meadows. The meadows are a key piece of land needed for the road, which would connect Witan Way and Oxford Hill.

Following a public inquiry in June, inspector Charles Mynors has now recommended that the application for Town Green status should be rejected.

Mr Edwards, of Eton Close, in Cogges, said: “It’s not wholly unexpected but very disappointing.

“We will consider whether we will make an appeal, and will be taking a little bit more legal advice.”

So far campaigners have spent £21,000 funding the public inquiry.

They are concerned about the effect on the environment of the £16.4m Cogges Link Road, including worries about flooding.

Mr Edwards added: “It’s not the end of the battle for us.

“The county council have to compulsory purchase the land they need for the road and there will be objections to that. It’s likely to go to a public inquiry and we will get the opportunity to object to it.”

Fellow campaigner Chris Purple, 62, of Oxlease, said: “It’s a very disappointing outcome. I heard some of the evidence and it seemed to me the case was very strong.”

Wyn Devonald, who also supported the Town Green bid at the inquiry, said: “We will get people together to read through the report and then go back to get some legal advice to see what our options are. It’s very disappointing.”

A final decision is due to be made by the county council’s planning and regulation committee this month.

Witney Meadows includes land needed to build the Cogges Link Road. If the Town Green application is rejected, Witney Town Council will be able to sell the land to the county council, enabling the road to go ahead as planned.

Ian Hudspeth, county cabinet member for growth and infrastructure, said: “The Cogges Link Road provides the solution for the large proportion of local traffic movements within Witney, and as such, is the best scheme for the residents.”

Compulsory purchase orders for parts of the route will have to be confirmed by the Government.