Planning process delays football stadium decision

The club said the requirement "reflects the complex nature" of planning applications for large developments

A football club has agreed to an extension from a local authority for more information to be considered on its new stadium planning application.

Oxford United said it has accepted Cherwell District Council's request for more time which means the local authority will not be able to provide a decision until June at the earliest.

The proposal is to build a 16,000-capacity venue on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington.

The club said the requirement "reflects the complex nature of planning applications for large developments such as this".

Last summer, the club said a decision would not be made until early 2025.

A new club statement says that "was always subject to change".

Jonathon Clarke, Oxford United development director, said he would like to reassure supporters "that planning extensions such as this are common practice".

"We continue to have positive meetings with key stakeholders and fully appreciate the need to ensure everything is in place for a favourable decision to be made," he added.

"This incredible, once in a lifetime project will secure the long-term future of the [club] and deliver multiple benefits to local communities.

"The fact the application has received more than 2,400 comments in our favour is testament to the overwhelming support for this project."

The statement adds that the new stadium "will deliver significant economic and social benefits to Oxfordshire", including the creation of new jobs, boosting tourism and improving transport links.

It said the visitor experience, inclusivity and sustainability had been placed at the heart of the design.

Suzanne McIvor from the environmental community group Friends of Stratfield Brake reacted to the news: "OUFC is putting an extraordinarily positive spin on a planning application that was poorly prepared and which, from the outset, failed to address key planning issues,"

"The club must accept responsibility for the delay which is due to its failure to provide timely and sufficient information to Cherwell District Council."

Oxford United said it was "in advanced discussions" regarding alternative short-term provisions for the period between the lease at the Kassam Stadium expiring in 2026 and the new stadium being ready.