Oxford United‘s search for a new stadium took a positive step forward this week after officers recommended leasing or selling land to the club.
Stadium Update: Positive News for the U’s
The Verdict
The U’s are looking to build a new stadium just south of Kidlington, north of the city, as their current licence at Grenoble Road expires in 2026.
Now, the latest reports claim that Oxfordshire County Council officers have advised the local authority’s cabinet to approve using council-owned land for a new stadium.
The recommendation includes a condition that the club must produce a net zero plan when it comes to building the stadium and the agreement that the use of the land is for football and/or community sports.
If the cabinet approves the lease or sale at the next meeting on September 19, the club will then need planning approval from Cherwell District Council.
What Was Said
County council chief executive Martin Reeves said: “Officers have made a recommendation for approval having looked carefully at a range of different information, including the views provided to us by those who took the time and care to respond.
“There are conditions attached to those recommendations including a net zero requirement.
“It is now for cabinet members to debate this in public on September 19 and come to a final decision.
“They will no doubt look carefully at the results of engagement with the public and stakeholders during both 2022 and 2023.
“This has been extensive and thorough and the county council would once again like to sincerely thank everyone who has taken part for sharing their views.
“It should be stressed that, in the event that cabinet ultimately decides to approve the use of the land for the football club to build a new stadium, Oxford United would still need to seek planning approval from Cherwell District Council as the local planning authority.”
The Future of Oxford United
With the club’s lease of the Kassam Stadium set to expire in 2026, and with little negotiation room with the owner about extending Oxford could find themselves homeless.
The club have already hit a setback after their first choice site of Stratfield Brake was rejected but they acted quickly in identifying ‘The Triangle’, which is in the same area.
Now, they need to get this moving quickly so they can begin the build and give the club a new home.
Featured image: Jimmy and Sacha Reade. CC BY-ND 2.0
