Oxford United have finally been given the go ahead to build a new stadium, pending approval from the Secretary of State.
The club would have found themselves homeless if this planning permission wasn’t granted given the lease on their current site was due to expire next summer.
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Oxford United Given Green Light for New Stadium
Stadium Go Ahead
On Thursday, after a four-and-a-half hour council meeting, Oxford United finally got the green light and were granted planning permission for a new stadium.
The U’s have been in lengthy discussions to build a new 16,000-capacity ground at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, and the committee eventually agreed with a report which was recommended for approval.
The application will now be referred to the Secretary of State, a standard procedure for large-scale applications.
The decision means that the club is now set to stay at the Kassam Stadium until June 2028 at the latest while a new ground is built, after the club agreed a short-term licence extension earlier this year.
What Was Said
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.”
