Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, has written to the Government to urge a quick decision on Oxford United’s new stadium.
The new 16,000-seater stadium, on land just south of Kidlington Roundabout, was given planning permission by Cherwell District Council in August.
However, due to the size of the development, the application has been referred to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed MP, for a decision.
Last week (24 Sept), Oxford United updated fans that the department required additional time to fully assess the planning application.
Councillor Brown wrote to the Secretary of State yesterday (30 Sept).
Dear Steve,
I am writing to ask you to reach a decision on Oxford United Football Club’s planning application for a new stadium as soon as possible, as the Football Club and its fans need certainty over its future.
I strongly support the proposal to build a new stadium on the northern edge of the city next to Oxford Parkway Station, and so very much hope you will approval the development.
I know Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds and Banbury MP Sean Woodcock wrote to you with a similar request on 8 September, but the issue is becoming increasingly urgent.
Oxford United secured planning permission for its 16,000-seater stadium on land north of the city from Cherwell District Council on 14 August. But, due to the size of the development, it was referred to you for a decision.
Oxford and Oxfordshire residents were hoping for that decision this month, but we understand your department has asked for more time to go through the details.
Oxford United’s tenure at its current stadium is rapidly running out. The landowner, who wants to redevelop the site, has said the club must move out by the end of the 2027/28 season at the latest. As a result, work on the new stadium needs to start urgently.
The new stadium – which aims to be the UK’s first zero-carbon football stadium for a major club – would bring a host of economic and social benefits to the area, including new jobs, improved transport connections, increased support for grassroots sport, and enabling the men’s and women’s teams to play in the same stadium.
The site is also in an accessible and sustainable location, near Oxford Parkway railway station and Oxford Ring Road.
The new stadium will secure the future of Oxford United Football Club. I know, as a football fan yourself, you will understand how much that will mean to so many people across Oxford and Oxfordshire.
I would be extremely grateful if you could expedite your decision on the new stadium planning application.
Yours sincerely,
Susan Brown
Leader of Oxford City Council
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