COUNCILLORS today approved a consultation on moving Adams Park stadium in what a their leader called a ‘momentous decision’.

Wycombe District Council cabinet members approved a major consultation that could see its planning policy changed to permit a new stadium.

A report says ‘all potential sites need to considered’ including those in the protected Green Belt.

Wycombe Air Park is thought to be a preferred choice for the stadium, which would re-house Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps football and rugby clubs.

They were also asked to approve a controversial ‘collaboration agreement’ with the clubs.

The council will put cash into building the stadium and have a stake in its ownership, a move that has angered some who feel WDC should not be working to benefit a private business.

The Bucks Free Press and two members of the public were asked to leave under local government laws when this item was discussed.

This was because the information was about ‘the financial business of any particular person’.

After 40 minutes the press and public were allowed back in where the consultation was approved within minutes. It is thought the collaboration agreement was approved.

Council leader Lesley Clarke said: “I think you already know you made a momentous decision today.”

The council has earmarked £500,000 for the consultation to progress the ‘core strategy alteration’.

Cllr Clarke today told the Free Press this was the same £500,000 previously reported as being used for feasibility studies into the plan.

Options will be published in October for consultation with another consultation on the ‘preferred option’ in February 2011.

It would be given a public hearing by an independent inspector in May 2012.

The authority agreed in June 2008 to work with the clubs to ‘resolve the issues’ it faces within the next five years.

Wasps boss Steve Hayes – who also owns Wanderers – has warned the rugby club could leave the town unless a new stadium is found.

Today’s report says the clubs ‘share a constrained site which limits the scope of both clubs’ ambitions and does not reflect their potential contribution to the district’s profile, economy or community’.

It warns the council could face a challenge from the Government if it approved a stadium plan that was not allowed under its policies.

We reported earlier today how an 83-year-old man has written to Prime Minister Gordon Brown opposing the scheme.

Click the link below to read the full report presented to the council today.