The Secretary of State has decided not to call in Oxford United’s new stadium planning application following approval from Cherwell District Council
The 16,000-seater stadium received approval from Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee on 14 August. Plans were then referred to the Secretary of State, Mr Reed, due to the size of the proposed development.
The five-hectare (12-acre) site will be located south of Kidlington roundabout, west of Banbury Road, east of Frieze Way and near Oxford Parkway Station. It is to be built on Green Belt land known as the Triangle.
Economic and social benefits for the area
Grant Ferguson, Chairman of Oxford United, said: “The Secretary of State’s decision to not to call in the planning application for our 16,000-capacity stadium on land north of the city means the Club can now begin to deliver on its vision.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, commented: “I’m absolutely delighted that Oxford United’s new stadium has been given the green light by the government. This is a huge day for Oxford and Oxfordshire.
“The 16,000-seater stadium secures the club’s future and offers a host of economic and social benefits for the area, including new jobs, improved transport connections, and increased support for grassroots sport.
“I hope work can now rapidly start on site, and I can’t wait to be sitting in the stands to cheer on the U’s soon.”
Accessible sports stadium
The design plans have been hailed by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, 11-time Paralympic gold medallist and Crossbench Peer, who has advised the club throughout the planning process, for its inclusion of accessibility features.
Inclusive features include:
- 130 wheelchair spaces with raised and extended viewing platforms
- Wide, step-free concourses and wheelchair-friendly turnstiles at all entrance
- Accessible food kiosks, hospitality areas, and numerous parking bays
- A dedicated sensory room, Changing Places toilets, and accessible hotel rooms across all four levels
Next steps
Once the Section 106 Agreement, which sets out financial contributions by the Club to infrastructure improvements, is finalised, the application decision can then be issued by Cherwell District Council.
Councillor David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s decision not to call in Oxford United’s planning application for its new stadium. This enables the decision made by our planning committee on 14 August to proceed subject to finalising the legal agreement and gives the club certainty that its ambition for a sustainable new home can move forward with confidence.
“This positive outcome upholds the thorough and diligent work of Cherwell’s planning officers and committee members, who undertook a rigorous and transparent process on one of the most significant applications ever considered by the council. The application was complex, highly scrutinised, and subject to extensive consultation, and I am proud of the thorough and fair way it was handled.
“As the planning authority, our focus now shifts to ensuring the development is delivered to the highest standards so that the infrastructure, design, and community and economic benefits are realised in full, and that the stadium becomes a tremendous asset to both Oxford United and the wider district.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the club, residents, and partners to make this exciting opportunity a success for Kidlington and Cherwell.”
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