Oxford United Football Club can confirm it has submitted a confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council in relation to plans for its new stadium.
The document explores the potential of a footbridge over Oxford Road linking Oxford Parkway and the new stadium and at its suitability for, and impact on, the site and surrounding environment. It will be considered by Cherwell District Council planning officers, with formal feedback provided to the Club in due course.
In December, the Club will be submitting additional information in relation to the current planning application following requests by Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and key consultees.
This will cover matters including transport and ecology which have been the subject of additional surveys conducted over the past six months to provide further clarity on the application to enable it to proceed to decision.
Transport modelling has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions on Oxford Road unaffected. Private vehicles will be diverted along Frieze Way for a short, limited period before and after games.
A footpath and cycleway along Frieze Way between the site and Pear Tree Park & Ride are now being proposed to provide additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options to and from the site. Also, as part of the sustainable transport options, the Club will increase the provision for on-site cycle parking from 150 to 446 spaces.
Jonathan Clarke, Oxford United Development Director, said: “Requests for additional information are common with large-scale developments.
“This is another really positive step forward in the process. We remain fully focused on obtaining the necessary planning permission and preparing to build.”
The plans to build a 16,000-capacity eco-friendly stadium on land known as the Triangle north of Oxford include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, gym and community plaza.
The landmark venue will deliver significant economic and social benefits to Oxfordshire, including the creation of jobs, boosting the visitor economy, improving transport links, enhancing green spaces, supporting local charities, sports groups, schools and colleges. The visitor experience will be placed at the heart of the design, and it would be the first all-electric stadium in the UK.
