QPR’s proposed building of a training ground at Warren Farm has been halted, it has been confirmed.
West London Sport revealed on Wednesday morning that Rangers were giving up on the project.
It is eight-and-a-half- years since West London Sport first revealed that QPR had identified the site as their preferred destination for a training ground.
And it is approaching six years since West London Sport revealed that QPR had scaled down their plans for the site, having considered scrapping the project altogether.
Now the project has been halted.
QPR say they have identified potential new site.
Their plans for Warren Farm faced ongoing opposition from residents’ groups.
“We are in advanced discussions regarding the freehold of another site." - QPR chief executive Lee Hoos
After a series of legal challenges, the matter appeared to be settled in QPR’s favour once and for all in November 2018, when the Supreme Court upheld Ealing Council’s decision to grant planning permission.
However, the Hanwell Nature group were last month granted permission to seek a further judicial review.
The latest legal challenge will not be defended by Ealing Council after QPR indicated they intend to press ahead with possible alternative options.
It brings an end to the long-running saga and the result is a major victory for opponents of the project.
In a joint statement issued by QPR and Ealing Council, Rangers chief executive Lee Hoos said: “We are in advanced discussions regarding the freehold of another site which we decided to pursue when the opportunity to acquire the site came up.
“In the spirit of the excellent working relationship we have with Ealing Council we have made them aware of the situation and assured them we remain firmly committed to helping them develop the site for community use.
“As there is a non-disclosure agreement in place regarding the other site, no further comment will be made at this time.”
January 2012
West London Sport reveal that QPR want to build a new training ground on the site of the Warren Farm Sports Centre.
February 2012
Non-League Southall FC also express interest in building on the site, but it comes to nothing.
March 2012
QPR confirm they are looking to build a training ground at Warren Farm. Philip Beard, then the club's chief executive, subsequently tells West London Sport Rangers are in “the final stages” of drawing up their proposal and want building work to commence “as fast as possible.”
April 2012
QPR submit plans to Ealing Council to build a training ground on the site - the plans are subsequently revised in light of objections from local residents.
April 2013
Planning permission is granted by Ealing Council - QPR’s intention is to begin work within months and for the new training ground to be open by late 2015.
January 2014
After plans are revised again following more objections, a development agreement is signed by Ealing Council and QPR, who at this stage believe the training ground will be ready in 2016.
July 2014
West London Sport reveal QPR are considering scrapping the Warren Farm project.
August 2014
Tony Fernandes confirms QPR are considering scrapping the project and tells West London Sport it is because of delays caused by a series of objections lodged by opponents.
October 2014
West London Sport reveal QPR are set to go ahead with Warren Farm project - but a cheaper, scaled-down version with significantly more modest plans than the original proposals.
May 2015
QPR submit a revised planning application.
September 2015
The revised plans are approved by Ealing Council - but local objections continue.
July 2016
An application for a footpath across the site of the proposed training ground, which would have scuppered QPR’s plans, is rejected by Ealing Council’s Regulatory Committee - but the Hanwell Community Forum seek a judicial review of the original decision to give planning permission for a training ground.
November 2016
The Save Warren Farm group launches a crowdfunding appeal to raise money for the legal challenge.
March 2017
High Court upholds Ealing Council’s decision to grant planning permission - but opponents take case to the Court of Appeal.
March 2018
Court of Appeal’s judicial review upholds Ealing Council’s decision. Objectors are given 28 days to appeal.
April 2018
West London Sport reveal appeal has been lodged. Confirming the news, QPR say they will not give up.
October 2018
West London Sport reveal a ‘permission to appeal’ application is expected be considered by Supreme Court Justices within weeks. They will either throw the latest appeal out, potentially paving the way for QPR to begin work, or grant a Supreme Court appeal, which would prolong the legal battle until at least late 2019.
November 2018
After the application for a Supreme Court appeal is rejected, QPR announce that all legal avenues have been exhausted and construction can begin.
April 2020
Hanwell Nature secure a further judicial review.
May 2020
West London Sport reveal the project has been halted. QPR and Ealing Council later confirm the news.