Council suggests new site for proposed Oxford United Stadium project

Oxfordshire County Council has suggested a location south of Kidlington roundabout as a possible site for a proposed new Oxford United FC stadium.

The new suggestion was made ahead of formal negotiations between club and council set to commence next month. Those negotiations centre on whether authority land can be leased to the club for the development of an 18,000 seater purpose built stadium.

Initially the club had been eager to develop new facilities at Stratfield Brake, Kidlington. Council planning officers have now described that site as presenting "considerable challenges." They have however identified lands south of Kidlington and west of Banbury Road which they believe would be a more suitable location for the stadium project. Both locations are designated green belt.

Oxford United's lease at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2026.

Oxfordshire Council undertook a public consultation exercise, receiving more than 3,700 responses, on the project. The responses were described by Council this week as overall supportive.

Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "We listened to the many points raised during our engagement exercise and began exploratory discussions with the club with clear principles in mind. These include maintaining a green barrier between Oxford and Kidlington, improving public access to high-quality green spaces, enhancing facilities for local sports groups, developing local employment opportunities and increasing education opportunities for our young people.

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“Any development must have a positive impact on the lives of people in Oxfordshire both in this specific locality and beyond – it needs to bring improvements that will benefit residents in years to come.

“We listened carefully to feedback from local residents and have taken account of the concerns they raised."

Councillor Leffman continued: "We fully recognise the challenges facing OUFC and we are doing everything we can to help them achieve a long-term home in the county and a sustainable future.

“Our officers are reviewing all the information and the responses received and will be making a clear recommendation to cabinet about whether or not to enter into formal negotiations with the club about the potential use of land for the development of a stadium."

The cabinet will debate the issue on 24 January. Should the project receive their backing, any resulting planning application will then be decided on by Cherwell Council.

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Main image Oxford United current hom ground, Kassam Stadium.