Oxford United’s long-held ambition for a new 16,000-capacity stadium took a major step forward today as Cherwell District Council granted planning permission for the development at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout.
The decision came after a marathon four-and-a-half-hour planning committee meeting, watched by more than 6,000 people via the council’s live stream. Councillor Kerrie Thornhill proposed approval, seconded by Councillor David Hingley, with 14 councillors voting in favour, three abstaining, and one voting against.
The committee’s decision aligns with a previous report from the council’s planning officers, which recommended the application for approval. Due to the scale of the project, the decision will now be referred to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Read more: Oxford United stadium plans recommended for approval ahead of key planning meeting
During the meeting, U’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Williams told councillors:
“We’ve worked over several years with officers, consultees and the community. We’ve made major changes and gone above and beyond what was expected.
“This is a significant project. It will create jobs and support local businesses. Oxfordshire has been waiting for an opportunity like this. This is a new chapter, a place where children will come to be inspired.”
Life-long fan and club steward for more than 40 years, Roland Clements, gave an emotional speech describing Oxford United as his “second home” and “second family”.
“I’ve watched generations walk through those gates… It’s where families grow together,” he said.
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.
“The club has kept me going. I live on my own. Without the football and the Manor Club, I’d be staring at four walls. If this stadium doesn’t happen, all that goes. Without this, there is no more community and no more football. Don’t let this end here,” he said.
Some local councillors voiced opposition. Kidlington East ward councillor Linda Ward told the committee:
“Football is a beautiful game. This application is a beast. How can you assess the benefits against the harm? Nobody seems willing to take this bull by the horns.”
Her fellow ward councillor, Ian Middleton, acknowledged the club’s value but warned of “significant and consistent” impacts on residents.
Following the decision, Oxford United’s Development Director Jonathon Clarke said:
“We’re 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.
“Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team. I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.”
Club Chairman Grant Ferguson described the approval as “a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great Club” and thanked all stakeholders and supporters.
Oxford United submitted the full planning application in February 2024, and signed a legally binding lease option with Oxfordshire County Council three months later. The club will remain at the Kassam Stadium until June 2028 at the latest while the new ground is built.
