MPs 'thrilled' as new stadium given the green light

Anneliese Dodds and Sean Woodcock said they hoped the new stadium "can now go ahead as speedily as possible"

Two Oxfordshire MPs have said they are "thrilled" the government will not call in the decision to grant Oxford United planning permission for its new stadium for further review.

Cherwell District Council approved plans for a 16,000-capacity venue on land near Kidlington in August, but it was referred to the secretary of state Steve Reed as it goes against the council's development plan and is on the green belt.

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds and Banbury MP Sean Woodcock received a letter stating Mr Reed had decided "not to call in this application".

They now hope the stadium "can now go ahead as speedily as possible".

Dodds wrote on Facebook: "It's back to Cherwell District Council to take the final steps and get things moving"

Both of the MPs have been vocal about their support for the application, citing the expiring lease for its current home, the Kassam Stadium, and plans to redevelop it as reasons behind the need for a swift response.

The letter from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said Mr Reed had "considered your comments along with other representations received".

"The Government's position is that these matters are generally best determined locally, by local councils that know their own area best, rather than by central Government," it added.

In a series of social media posts, Dodds said: "It's back to Cherwell District Council to take the final steps and get things moving."

"We repeatedly raised this issue directly with the Secretary of State and are so pleased that he has now acted," she wrote next to a picture of her with Woodcock.

"The new stadium is needed not only for the sake of Oxford United and its many fans but also for the local economy."

The venue application also includes a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and community plaza.