adminOxford United win green light for new 16,000-seat stadium
Oxford United’s plans for a new stadium have been given the green light by the government.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, has confirmed he will not call in the application after it was granted planning permission by Cherwell District Council.
The club wants to build the stadium on green belt land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington.
It needed to find a new home because their current agreement to play at the Kassam Stadium in Littlemore was due to end in 2026.
After being approved by Cherwell District Council in August, plans were referred to the Secretary of State due to the size of the £150 million proposed development, which includes a 180-bedroom hotel, gym and conference centre.
Grant Ferguson, Chairman of Oxford United, said: “The government review was conducted after Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee approved the plans on 14 August.
“The Secretary of State’s decision to not to call in the planning application for our 16,000-capacity stadium on land north of the city means the Club can now begin to deliver on its vision.
“On behalf of everyone at Oxford United, I would like to thank all of our supporters, along with the incredible project team who have been instrumental in getting us to this point.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Oxford United’s new stadium has been given the green light by the government. This is a huge day for Oxford and Oxfordshire.
“The 16,000-seater stadium secures the club’s future and offers a host of economic and social benefits for the area, including new jobs, improved transport connections, and increased support for grassroots sport.”
Commenting on Facebook, Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds said: “Sean Woodcock MP (Banbury) and I are thrilled that MHCLG are not calling in the planning application for Oxford United Official ‘s vital new stadium.
“It’s back to Cherwell District Council to take the final steps and get things moving!”
Campaign group, the Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSB), which is opposed to Oxford United’s proposed new stadium believes building it on greenbelt land would cause permanent disruption to nearby woodland.
In a statement a spokesperson said: “FoSB did not expect the proposed stadium application to be called in by the Secretary of State because it doesn’t meet the criteria and call ins are very rare.
“His decision is certainly not an endorsement of the proposal, he merely thinks it should be decided at a local level.
“In our opinion Cherwell District Council’s decision to approve the planning application for the proposed stadium was flawed. We are therefore keen to see the legality of the decision examined in court and are taking next steps accordingly.”
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