Council leader urges government to approve stadium

Cherwell District Council's planning committee approved plans for a 16,000-capacity venue on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington, in August

A city council leader is the latest politician urging the government for a "rapid" decision on a new football stadium.

Cherwell District Council's planning committee approved plans for a 16,000-capacity venue for Oxford football club on land near Kidlington, in August but it was referred to the Secretary of State.

In her letter to the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government - Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown says the club and its fans "need certainty over its future".

Anneliese Dodds and Sean Woodcock have already announced their support, citing the expiring lease for the current ground and plans to redevelop it as reasons behind the need for a swift response.

Susan Brown says the issue "is becoming increasingly urgent" as the lease on the current stadium is due to expire

The BBC understands the club was previously told to expect a decision by 16 September.

However, Oxford United updated fans on 24 September, stating that the housing department "requires additional time to fully assess the planning application".

In her letter to the Secretary of State Steve Reed, Brown says she "strongly" supports the proposal and that the issue "is becoming increasingly urgent".

She reminded the Secretary of State that the landowner of the Kassam Stadium has said the club must move out by May 2028 and writes "I know, as a football fan yourself, you will understand how much that will mean to so many people across Oxford and Oxfordshire."

She echoes the other MPs' statements that the venue would bring social and economic benefits to the area through a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and community plaza.

In response to the previous letter from Dodd's, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said "it would not be appropriate to provide a comment as the matter may be put before ministers in the future".

The BBC has contacted the government for a response to Brown's letter.

The Friends of Stratfield Brake, which opposes to the new stadium, has asked Reed to take the planning decision himself and overrule Cherwell Council's approval.