Oxford United can confirm it has agreed to a request for a short extension to allow Cherwell District Council to consider additional information relating to the Club's new stadium planning application.
As a result, the earliest the Council can provide a decision is June 2025. The requirement for an extension reflects the complex nature of planning applications for large developments such as this.
The Club’s stadium development team continues to work with the Council, along with key stakeholders and consultees, to ensure all aspects of the project, including transport and ecology, are fully considered.
The proposal is to build a 16,000-capacity stadium on land known as the Triangle near Kidlington, including a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & well-being space, gym and community plaza.
Jonathon Clarke, Oxford United Development Director, commented: “I’d like to reassure our supporters that planning extensions such as this are common practice with significant developments which require extensive studies and careful examination.
“We continue to have positive meetings with key stakeholders and fully appreciate the need to ensure everything is in place for a favourable decision to be made.
“This incredible, once in a lifetime project will secure the long-term future of the Club and deliver multiple benefits to local communities. The fact the application has received more than 2,400 comments in our favour is testament to the overwhelming support for this project.”
The new stadium will deliver significant economic and social benefits to Oxfordshire, including the creation of new jobs, boosting tourism, improving transport links, enhancing green spaces, and supporting local charities, sports groups and schools. The visitor experience, inclusivity and sustainability have been placed at the heart of the design.
FAQs
Why has the planning process timeframe changed?
While the Club expected the planning application would be heard in early 2025 it stated that it was always subject to change.
Some further statutory consultation responses from key stakeholders on highways, ecology and biodiversity are still being considered in light of the updated ES Addendum. Both the Transport Assessment and Ecology Assessment may need to be further updated once this information has been provided.
The Club will also submit for review more information relating to Very Special Circumstances in line with agreed timeframes.
What additional information is still required?
Information on key topics including Green Belt, transport, highways, ecology and biodiversity were previously requested by key consultees that have been consulted through the planning application process.
While all information requested has been addressed in the application submission, it is not uncommon for additional issues to be raised during the consultation process and the information submitted, supplemented and added to during the processing of an application where the environmental impact of the proposal needs to be carefully considered.
The Club want to ensure that all issues, where relevant to the application submission, are appropriately covered to ensure the impact of its proposals both address the key matters raised to date and respond to key local and national planning policy.
What does this mean for Oxford United’s planning application?
The earliest available date in which the proposal can be considered is June 5th. This is subject to change; however, the Club is focused on securing a determination on this date.
What will Oxford United do next?
Focus on securing a successful planning permission and continue to work closely with key stakeholders to provide the local authority with the information required.
Where will Oxford United play when the lease at the Kassam Stadium ends?
The Club is in advanced discussions regarding alternative short-term provisions for the period between the lease at the Kassam Stadium expiring in 2026 and the new stadium being ready.
