Woodland delays Oxford United stadium decision

Oxford United said it was "disappointed" with the further delays to the hearing

A decision on Oxford United's new stadium plans has been delayed after a nearby woodland was designated as ancient.

Cherwell District Council was due to review an application for a 16,000-seat venue on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington, on 31 July.

But the local authority said it required further time after Natural England identified an area of ancient woodland near the site, and said its planning committee would now consider the application on 14 August.

The club said it was "disappointed" with the delay.

Development director at Oxford United Jonathon Clarke said it the last-minute submission was "frustrating".

"However, we have provided comprehensive evidence addressing the points raised," he said, adding it was "an incredibly detailed, robust application".

"We will continue our work towards a positive recommendation as we await a new committee date."

The planning application has faced several delays since its submission.

The council said the designation required "a further period of time to ensure the robust consideration of those matters" and incorporate them into its recommendation report.

Natural England previously said its woodland specialists had "found that there has been sufficient evidence submitted to support this site as ancient woodland".

But it added that it would be willing to "consider further substantively different evidence" in this particular case.

Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, said she was "disappointed" by the delayed decision, and that the club, its fans and the county "need this stadium for the benefits it will bring".

"A positive decision is crucial, as more delays could have a catastrophic impact on the club," she added.