Planning officers back Oxford United’s new stadium bid
06/08/2025
The final decision will be made next Thursday
Planning officers at Cherwell District Council have recommended approval of Oxford United’s plans to build a new stadium south of Kidlington.
The club submitted proposals for a state-of-the-art stadium, including community facilities and improved transport links for supporters, on land known as The Triangle near Stratfield Brake.
In a report published this evening ahead of the planning committee meeting, officers are suggesting councillors “grant permission subject to referral to the secretary of state, conditions, and a [Section] 106 legal agreement”.
If approved referral to the Secretary of State would be a requirement as the application is a major development outside of Council’s current Development Plan and in the green belt, which would be classed as “inappropriate development”. The officer’s recommendation to approve the application is based on a calculation that the scheme’s benefits outweigh the negative impacts. The Secretary of State would determine whether she agreed, or wished to ‘call in’ the application for determination.
Councillors will decide if they agree with the officer’s recommendation at a meeting next Thursday afternoon. If approved, the stadium would replace the Kassam Stadium as Oxford United’s home ground.
Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said: “This is a significant and positive step towards our goal of building a world-class venue that safeguards the Club’s future.
“We now have confirmation of when the Planning Committee will meet and look forward to them hopefully endorsing the positive recommendation made by their professional officers.”
In response to the news Banbury’s MP, Sean Woodcock, said: “Many constituents have contacted me on Oxford United’s stadium. I’ve always broadly been in favour of the plan to move to the Triangle and was pleased to meet club directors a few months ago to get more information.
“I hope fans and club will soon have the certainty they need.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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