The local council has voted in favor of leasing ‘The Triangle’ south of Kidlington Roundabout to Oxford United Football Club, marking a significant step towards the construction of a new stadium. This decision is subject to planning approval from the Cherwell District Council, the local planning authority.
The council’s main objective in making this decision is to bring long-term benefits to the communities in Oxfordshire. These benefits include local employment opportunities, educational prospects for young people, improved facilities for local sports groups, and securing the future of the county’s only professional football league club.
Originally proposed as a land sale, the council ultimately opted for a lease agreement with certain conditions in place. These conditions include obtaining planning permission from the Cherwell District Council, the submission of a net-zero plan with clear timelines and outcomes, and meeting the commitments made in previous submissions to the county council.
To safeguard the intended use of the land, restrictive covenants will be implemented, allowing for football and community sports activities, leisure, and sports stadia, with limited commercial activities confined to the stadium footprint.
The burden now falls on Oxford United to develop detailed proposals that align with their earlier statements and satisfy the council’s expectations. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the contract not being signed.
Following this decision, Oxford United will need to submit a planning application, providing an opportunity for residents to express their views. The club’s current license agreement at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2026.
The support from Oxford City Council, who have been longstanding advocates for the club, highlights the positive impact the new stadium could have on Oxford United and its fans. If planning permission is granted, the stadium has the potential to become a sporting, entertainment, and tourism hub, supporting local jobs and the Oxfordshire economy as a whole.
Sources: Oxford Mail