Oxford United given planning approval for new stadium

The application for a 16,000-capacity ground at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, was discussed by Cherwell District Council’s planning committee.

After more than four hours of talks, the committee eventually agreed with a report previously published by the council’s planning team, which recommended the application for approval.

The application will now be referred to the Secretary of State, a standard procedure for large-scale applications.

The meeting started at 4pm, and finished at close to half past eight, with 6,000 people watching from the council’s live stream.

Councillor Kerrie Thornhill proposed to approve the application, with that proposal seconded by councillor David Hingley, and later on, 14 voted for, with three abstentions and one vote against.

Ms Thornhill said: “I think this is an extremely comprehensive, well-tailored, well-considered application.

“I don’t feel the application paves over any negatives and deals with them head-on.”

U’s chief executive Tim Williams previously said at the meeting: “We’ve worked over several years with officers, consultees and the community.

“We’ve made major changes and gone above and beyond what was expected.

“This is a significant project. It will create jobs and support local businesses.

“Oxfordshire has been waiting for an opportunity like this. This is a new chapter, a place where children will come to be inspired.”

Roland Clements, a steward for more than 40 years at United, described the club as a second home and a second family.

He said: “The club has kept me going. I live on my own. Without the football and the Manor Club, I’d be staring at four walls.

“If this stadium doesn’t happen, all that goes. Without this, there is no more community and no more football. Don’t let this end here.”

There were though arguments objecting the application. Ward councillor for Kidlington East, Linda Ward, told the committee: “Football is a beautiful game. This application is a beast.

“How can you assess the benefits against the harm? Nobody seems willing to take this bull by the horns.”

Ian Middleton, the other ward councillor for Kidlington East, added: “I want Oxford United to continue to thrive. I’m not a football supporter but fully recognise the enjoyment it brings.

“The impact on local residents will be significant and consistent.”

The U’s submitted a full planning application to the district council in February 2024, while a legally binding lease option with Oxfordshire County Council was signed three months later.

The decision means that the club is now set to stay at the Kassam Stadium until June 2028 at the latest while a new ground is built.

United do not own the Kassam, with a short-term licence extension signed between the club and landlords Firoka Group in May.

A previous licence agreement was due to run out on June 30, 2026, however the extension allowed one additional year, with an option to extend for a maximum of one more year dependent on planning approval being received for The Triangle.

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