Decision over United stadium plans welcomed
16/10/2025
The Secretary of State decided not to call in Cherwell’s planning decision
A number of local political figures have welcomed the news that Cherwell District Council’s decision to grant Oxford United planning permission for a new stadium to the south of Kidlington will not be “called in” by the Secretary of State.
It means the council can now finalise the planning decision, allowing the football club to move forward with the project.
In a joint statement Banbury’s MP Sean Woodcock and East Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds said: “We’re delighted to see that the Secretary of State has not called in this application and we hope that the stadium can now go ahead as speedily as possible.
“We repeatedly raised this issue directly with the Secretary of State and are so pleased that he has now acted.
“The new stadium is needed not only for the sake of Oxford United and its many fans but also for the local community.
“We’re grateful to everyone who has been working hard to secure the future of our club.”
The Leader of Cherwell District Council, David Hingley, also welcomed the decision not to call in Oxford United’s planning application. He said: “This enables the decision made by our planning committee on 14 August to proceed subject to finalising the legal agreement and gives the club certainty that its ambition for a sustainable new home can move forward with confidence.
“This positive outcome upholds the thorough and diligent work of Cherwell’s planning officers and committee members, who undertook a rigorous and transparent process on one of the most significant applications ever considered by the council. The application was complex, highly scrutinised, and subject to extensive consultation, and I am proud of the thorough and fair way it was handled.
“As the planning authority, our focus now shifts to ensuring the development is delivered to the highest standards so that the infrastructure, design, and community and economic benefits are realised in full, and that the stadium becomes a tremendous asset to both Oxford United and the wider district.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the club, residents, and partners to make this exciting opportunity a success for Kidlington and Cherwell.”
Following yesterday’s announcement Oxford United’s Chairman, Grant Ferguson, said: “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.”
Planning officers at Cherwell District Council will now finalise the “Section 106 Agreement” financial contributions the club must make to infrastructure improvements so the application decision can be issued.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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