adminOxford United stadium approval goes into extra time
Oxford United’s stadium plans need more time by the government to “fully assess” the planning application.
The football club won approval from Cherwell District Council at a meeting in August.
Bosses have planned a new 16,000-seater stadium at The Triangle site near Kidlington which will become their new home after their lease at the Kassam Stadium runs out.
After council approval, full permission is needed by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government
But the club has said the government department has requested more time to go through the details.
It is not known what the problem is, if any, or how long it would indeed take to reach a final decision.
The club said in a statement: “Oxford United Football Club can confirm that the planning application for the proposed new stadium on land to the north of Oxford is still under consideration by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“The Secretary of State has advised Cherwell District Council planning authority that the department requires additional time to fully assess the planning application that the council approved on August 14.
“Oxford United remains committed to delivering a world-class stadium that benefits both the club and the wider community.
“We appreciate the continued support and patience of our fans and stakeholders as we await the outcome of this process.
“Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.”
A source at the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government said the department “received requests to call in the planning application”.
The source added the extra time needed “should not be read as any indication of the secretary of state’s view towards” the stadium planning application.
But the department declined to say why extra time is needed.
Due to its size, the application was referred to the secretary of state following Cherwell District Council’s approval.
Angela Rayner was in post at the time, but since resigned over a tax scandal with the position now being held by Steve Reed.
The minister initially gets 21 days to decide whether or not to ‘call in’ the application for further reconsideration.
The Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a ‘holding direction’ on September 11 to allow the secretary of state more time to decide whether to call it in.
It will remain in place until the secretary of state decides whether or not to call in the planning application.
Jonathon Clarke, development director at Oxford United, had previously emphasis that securing the new stadium is “absolutely critical to the future of the club”.
admin
