Oxford United’s new stadium plans has finally been given the green light by Cherwell District Council after hours of talks on Thursday.
The U’s proposal to move to the Triangle site near Kidlington, first proposed in 2022 and agreed in 2024, was approved, after a lengthy meeting, with the vote was 14 for, 1 against, and 3 abstentions.
The club have to leave the Kassam Stadium (home since 2001) for financial sustainability, owning their venue, and community benefits like a gym, hotel, and health clinic.
The site is on green belt land, requiring “very special circumstances.” Officers recommended approval, citing no suitable alternatives, benefits for fans and women’s football, and manageable impacts on traffic (via public transport enhancements, temporary road closures) and ecology (despite bat habitat concerns and Natural England’s precautionary advice on nearby woodland).
Opposition focused on urban sprawl, traffic chaos, safety gaps, and ecological harm, with groups like Friends of Stratfield Brake vowing legal challenges.
MP Anneliese Dodds backed the move despite it shifting the club out of her constituency. The Kassam site may become housing if the club relocates.
Oxford United are delighted that our planning application for a new 16,000 capacity stadium on land north of the city has been approved by Cherwell District Council.
— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) August 14, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Oxford United are delighted that our planning application for a new 16,000 capacity stadium on land north of the city has been approved by Cherwell District Council.
The decision brings the Club’s vision to build a new permanent home one step closer to being delivered. The Council’s planning committee confirmed their decision earlier today at a meeting that included impassioned speeches from Oxford United’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Williams, and life-long supporter, Roland Clements, who both talked about the huge positive impacts of the scheme.
Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, 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.”
Grant Ferguson, Chairman of Oxford United, added: “This is a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great Club. With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan.
“I’d like to thank Jonathon Clarke and our stadium project team for their unrelenting dedication and professionalism to enable us to reach this stage.
“Thank you also to Cherwell District Council for approving our application, and to all stakeholders, consultees and everyone else who has supported our vision.”
Due to the nature of this development, the detailed application now passes to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration.
Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown said: “Oxford United’s tenure at the Kassam Stadium is running out. It’s urgent that the plans now move forward.
“This decision has provided a clear pathway to the construction of a modern facility that Oxford United and its fans deserve.
“It secures the future of the club and will offer a host of economic and social benefits for the area.”
