Oxford United Football Club has formally signed a Section 106 Planning Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, paving the way for full planning permission for the club’s new stadium.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in Oxford United’s plans for a 16,000-capacity venue featuring a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, gym, and a community plaza.
The Section 106 Agreement follows detailed engagement between the club and local authorities to ensure the development delivers lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for Oxfordshire. Over £5 million will be invested into local infrastructure and community projects, alongside additional commitments set out in a separate Community Collaboration Agreement.
With planning approval now in place, Oxford United can progress to the next phase, including the discharge of pre-commencement conditions and enabling works ahead of construction.
Oxford United Chairman Grant Ferguson described the milestone as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” emphasising the stadium’s role not just as a home for men’s and women’s football, but as a wider community and business hub supporting regional economic growth and sustainability objectives. Ferguson also thanked local councils, project teams, community groups, and supporters for their input throughout the planning process.
Cherwell District Council has welcomed the agreement, highlighting the community benefits it secures, including construction apprenticeships, special access for schools, charities and community groups, quarterly community events, and use by Oxfordshire FA for its annual county finals.
The agreement also ensures a woodland management plan to protect land south of the stadium, transport network improvements, ecological mitigation, a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain, and infrastructure reinforcement measures.
Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, praised the planning process, calling it “thorough, professional and fair-minded.”
He emphasised that the agreement maximises benefits for the local community while supporting apprenticeships, schools, charities, and grassroots football in the area. Hingley also acknowledged the council officers’ work in ensuring the community would fully benefit from the new stadium.
The stadium planning application, resolved by the council’s planning committee in August 2025, drew significant public interest. The meeting was streamed online and watched by 8,731 members of the public, making it the council’s most widely viewed public meeting to date.
Oxford United has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining dialogue with residents, businesses, supporters, and local groups as the project progresses, with further updates expected in due course.
