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Oxford United’s new stadium plans given the green light after hours of talks

Oxford United’s new stadium plans has finally been given the green light by Cherwell District Council after hours of talks on Thursday.

The U’s proposal to move to the Triangle site near Kidlington, first proposed in 2022 and agreed in 2024, was approved, after a lengthy meeting, with the vote was 14 for, 1 against, and 3 abstentions.

The club have to leave the Kassam Stadium (home since 2001) for financial sustainability, owning their venue, and community benefits like a gym, hotel, and health clinic.

The site is on green belt land, requiring “very special circumstances.” Officers recommended approval, citing no suitable alternatives, benefits for fans and women’s football, and manageable impacts on traffic (via public transport enhancements, temporary road closures) and ecology (despite bat habitat concerns and Natural England’s precautionary advice on nearby woodland).

Opposition focused on urban sprawl, traffic chaos, safety gaps, and ecological harm, with groups like Friends of Stratfield Brake vowing legal challenges.

MP Anneliese Dodds backed the move despite it shifting the club out of her constituency. The Kassam site may become housing if the club relocates.

You can watch a fly through video of the new stadium plans below, just hit play…

CLUB STATEMENT:

Oxford United are delighted that our planning application for a new 16,000 capacity stadium on land north of the city has been approved by Cherwell District Council.

The decision brings the Club’s vision to build a new permanent home one step closer to being delivered. The Council’s planning committee confirmed their decision earlier today at a meeting that included impassioned speeches from Oxford United’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Williams, and life-long supporter, Roland Clements, who both talked about the huge positive impacts of the scheme.

Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community.

“Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team. I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.”

A Google Maps picture of the map around Stratfield Brake and Oxford Parkway, with an Oxford United logo and yellow shading covering over the Triangle site.

Grant Ferguson, Chairman of Oxford United, added: “This is a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great Club. With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan.

“I’d like to thank Jonathon Clarke and our stadium project team for their unrelenting dedication and professionalism to enable us to reach this stage.

“Thank you also to Cherwell District Council for approving our application, and to all stakeholders, consultees and everyone else who has supported our vision.”

Due to the nature of this development, the detailed application now passes to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration.

Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown said: “Oxford United’s tenure at the Kassam Stadium is running out. It’s urgent that the plans now move forward.

“This decision has provided a clear pathway to the construction of a modern facility that Oxford United and its fans deserve.

“It secures the future of the club and will offer a host of economic and social benefits for the area.”

Here’s how fans reacted with Oxford United’s new stadium plans given the green light after hours of talks…

@GabSutton: Great news. Always got the impression Oxford United fans have struggled to see the Kassam Stadium as their spiritual home in the same way the Manor was. Partly because it’s not always very accessible, and partly because it’s named after somebody who screwed the club over.

@Lukamat365: Let’s fucking go in tears right now our club is saved!🥲

@rachhfost: Moving where i feel im home again 💛💙 Thank you to everyone at the club who has got us to this point.

@I_Matrix92: Longest 4 hours of my life. I listened to every word, honestly some baffling questions. Thanks to all for making it happen

@GeorgeHogg93: We’ve got a love that never dies, that’s you, @OUFCOfficial, we’re ok for all time! Thank you Cherwell, boy you’ve kept us tense! #oufc

@id6457: fantastic news. future secured. will make a huge impact to the success of the club going forward 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@DeclanPFC03: No more getting stuck in that bastard car park for nearly 2 hours after the game i never thought id see the day 😍😍 Gunna miss oxford away it is so unbelievably shit but it is a part of our season at this poin t😂😂

@DBoufc: Fantastic news!!! So so many worked incredibly hard to make this happen so from me, just one fan, THANKYOU

@DanielLawrance0: This is actually fantastic. Oxford Utd actually have so much potential as a club. Massive catchment area fan wise and just a really marketable club. And that Kassam is terrible

@liamoufc2: 2 1/2 long years later the club comes out on top our future is looking so brought were truly a team on the up now.

@mikebuggins71: Get in, brilliant show of patience and faith by all involved, now the club can evolve #OUFC

@Wakefield__: Momentous day for our football club. The worst stadium in England will soon be behind us.

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