Oxford United Stadium Plans Recommended for Council Approval

Plans for a new 16,000-capacity stadium for Oxford United Football Club at The Triangle in Kidlington have been recommended for approval by Cherwell District Council's planning officers. The development, estimated to cost between £130m and £150m, would include a 180-bedroom hotel, conference centre, and other community facilities and would replace the club's existing home at Kassam Stadium. Despite the site being on Green Belt land, the council's report cites 'very special circumstances' that justify the development, including the urgent need for relocation and lack of suitable alternatives. The project faces concerns over potential landscape, ecological, and visual harm, and objections from local campaigners about environmental damage, but planners agree the site is the only viable option. The planning committee is set to meet on August 14 to consider the recommendation, with the final decision to be made by the Secretary of State due to the project's departure from the Development Plan. Oxford United's development director described the recommendation as a significant step toward securing a world-class venue for the club's future.