Cherwell District Council's special planning committee has granted planning permission for Oxford United to build a new stadium
Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown said it was a "huge relief"
The 16,000-seat ground is planned for The Triangle near Kidlington
It has taken more than three years for Oxford United to get to this point and the club says the stadium is critical to its future
BBC Radio Oxford is hosting a dedicated programme from 16:00
Thank you for following our coverage this evening of Cherwell District Council's decision to grant approval to Oxford United's new stadium.
BBC Radio Oxford will have more updates and reaction this evening and over the coming days.
Jonathon Clarke, development director at Oxford United, said he was "absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval".
"We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community," he said.
Club chairman Grant Ferguson said the decision was "a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great club".
Chris McHugh
BBC Radio Oxford
As councillors, officers and fans file out of the building here in Banbury, one fan, Matthew, tells the BBC that the news hasn’t yet sunk in.
In the distance, chants of “Yellows!” can be heard from a group of fans heading towards Castle Quay, no doubt for a celebratory drink or two.
Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown said she welcomed "with huge relief" tonight's news.
She said: "Oxford United’s tenure at the Kassam Stadium is running out. It’s urgent that the plans now move forward.
"This decision has provided a clear pathway to the construction of a modern facility that Oxford United and its fans deserve.
"It secures the future of the club and will offer a host of economic and social benefits for the area."
The planning meeting has been brought to an end.
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
One fan could be heard to say "we got it" part way through the vote.
Officer Laura Bell was applauded afterwards for her work.
After a lengthy meeting with a mixture of views heard, Cherwell District Council has approved the decision for Oxford United's proposed new stadium.
The final vote was 14 for, three abstentions, one against.
Image source, OUFCCouncillors are preparing to vote.
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
Councillor Dr Kerrie Thornhill is summing up, as she proposed moving the application.
"In many ways this is a tremendously exciting project," she said.
Adding: "It's huge in its potential for bringing community benefits to Oxfordshire as a whole - and to Kidlington itself."
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
Labour councillor Dr Isabel Creed talks about the financial implications for the council if councillors were to reject the application today, which she says could be "astronomical".
She's referring to a likely appeal from Oxford United if the application is rejected.
"My own feeling is it's going to be traffic chaos," she says.
"[But] I'm probably leaning towards voting for it.
"My issue concerning the application is around traffic and the roads, and I don't think that would stand up if they were to take that to a big appeal."
She adds there are "a lot of positives" about the application.
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Pruden says he feels like he's "walking on a tightrope for or against".
"This is a very difficult application and my heart does go out to residents in the local area," he adds.
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
Discussions are taking place around Martin's Law, which requires venues with a capacity of 200 or more to have a plan in place in case there's a terror attack on their premises.
Officers are arguing it's not possible to add a planning condition to comply with something that will be with a legal requirement.
Liberal Democrat councillor Dorothy Walker says there should be a planning condition that development should not commence until compliance has been show with Martin's Law.
Image source, PA MediaMartyn's Law is in memory of Martyn Hett who died in May 2017 during the Manchester Arena bombing.
Councillor Dr Kerrie Thornhill has proposed approving the plans, calling them a "well-considered application".
This has been seconded by councillor David Hingley.
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
Cherwell officers have spoken to organisers of the London 2012 Olympics about how they kept residents informed about the impact of sport events.
They said that they implemented a system with local residents to let them know where there was an event in their area, and did things like putting up posters at public transport hubs.
Cherwell District Council officer Will Magwick said potentially the club could implement a text messaging system to let people know when games were on.
He added: "Communcation is key to making this work effectively."
Image source, Getty ImagesSuzanne McIvor from Friends of Stratfield Brake tells BBC Radio Oxford the group will push for a legal challenge if the application is approved.
"I do think that planning permission will probably be granted this evening," she says.
"This is just one stage in a long process, because we have no intention of giving up.
"The next step would have to be some kind of legal challenge against the decision."
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
Conservative councillor Phil Chapman asks what can be done to stop adjacent Stratfield Brake becoming an overflow carpark on match days.
Council officer Will Magwick says: "Stratfield Brake will be managed as part of the overall crowd and traffic management at the stadium."
Mr Chapman asks again: "Will you be able to get in as a normal user of the facility?"
Mr Magwick replies: "It won't be filled with cars for the stadium as the management won't allow fans to enter there."
Mr Chapman answers with a dubious: "OK".
Chris McHugh
BBC Radio Oxford
As well as members of the council’s planning committee, there are around 40 or so members of the public watching proceedings. Some are fans, with at least three wearing club shirts, eagerly waiting a decision on the future of their club's home ground.
The meeting is back after the short break and committee members continue to ask questions to the planning officers.
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
The chair has called a 10-minute "comfort break" so it's a good time to give you an idea of where we are...
The committee has heard the presentation on the proposals from officers, it has heard from supporters and objectors to the application.
The committee members have been asking questions to officers and we're about a third of the way around the table. So this will continue after the break.
Afterwards, councillors can choose to speak to set out why they're voting for or against. Then it will move to a vote.
Bethan Nimmo
BBC Radio Oxford
Club steward Roland Clements says everyone knows him as "Roly" before delivering an impassioned speech.
"I've watched generations walk through those gates... It's where families grow together," he says.
He tells the meeting the club helps fans to "feel part of something" and he pleads for the council to "think about the people".
"The club doesn't have a future without a home," he adds.