Latest news with #Kidlington
BBC News
19 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Town or village? Kidlington debates its identity
Residents are being asked if Kidlington should become a is often claimed to be the largest village in England - but the parish council says it is 'exploring the option' of becoming a town census in 2021 put Kidlington's population at 13,600 and expansion plans mean that number could grow to between 30,000 and 40, parish council says it wants to "ensure that Kidlington is in the strongest possible position". Lesley McLean, Chair of Kidlington Parish Council, said her authority made no decisions over growth - and that becoming a town would not affect planned with development coming either way - she said the parish council was questioning if it made sense for Kidlington to remain a said: "We will be at least doubling population. "Our population will sit somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 depending on how quickly the homes come forward."When you consider that currently, for instance, Witney has a population of about 33,000, it does seem a little odd that Kidlington might have a similar sized population and still call itself a village."We want to be a strong voice for the community, we want to ensure that we've got the right level of policing and we want to be a strong voice in a room when we're talking about infrastructure that Kidlington desperately needs." Kidlington Parish Council previously attempted to transition to town status in 1988 - but in a referendum residents voted overwhelmingly to remain a residents still feel strongly that it should not become a resident Jacquie Hobbs said: "I don't want it to be known as a town. "It's always been a village and it's our village - all the people that have grown up here and know it as it is."Janet O'Brien from Kidlington agrees."I really think it should stay as a village - because it's nice as it is," she said. "We've got enough big busy towns around here, without having any more."Residents can take part in the consultation here. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
‘Catastrophic' – New 16,000-seater Championship stadium delayed by ‘ancient woodland' amid warnings over club's future
OXFORD UNITED will be forced to wait a further two weeks for a decision regarding their proposed new stadium after a nearby woodland was designated as "ancient". The Championship side are hoping to build a 16,000-seater stadium at The Triangle, which is located by nearby Kidlington. 3 3 Plans were first unveiled in 2023, but have been marred by a series of delays. Cherwell District Council had been scheduled to come to a decision at a planning committee on July 31. Remarkably, this meeting has been delayed by two weeks to August 14 following a ruling by Natural England. Oxford 's proposed Triangle site borders the Stratfield Brake woodland. The woodland area was recently handed "ancient" status - sparking fresh concerns over whether this could affect the council's decision on Oxford's proposed new stadium. Upon the delay, U's development director Jonathon Clarke said: "It's frustrating that this delay has been caused by a last-minute submission from a statutory consultee, particularly given they had previously raised no objections to the application. 'However, we have provided comprehensive evidence addressing the points raised. This is an incredibly detailed, robust application. 'We will continue our work towards a positive recommendation as we await a new committee date.' BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Natural England claim that Oxford's plans "have the potential to adversely affect" the woodland. But the organisation does not oppose the stadium build. Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms Oxford play at the Kassam Stadium, having moved there since 2001. In May the second-tier side extended their lease at the Kassam to 2027, with an option for a further year. The site is still owned by Oxford's former owner Firoz Kassam, and Oxford City Council plans could see the Kassam Stadium torn down and replaced by as many as 150 homes in future. Oxford's proposed new Triangle home would boast plenty of community facilities in addition to the stadium, including a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and community plaza. 'CATASTROPHIC' Labour MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds has stressed the importance of the U's receiving planning permission. She wrote on X: "I'm disappointed by the delay in deciding on @OUFCOfficial's new stadium. "OUFC, its fans, and Oxfordshire need this stadium for the benefits it will bring. "A positive decision is crucial, as more delays could have a catastrophic impact on the club." Oxford are currently preparing for their second season back in the Championship following their promotion in 2023-24. Gary Rowett 's side finished 17th last term, four points clear of the drop zone. 3
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Oxford stadium decision delayed due to ancient woodland
A decision on Oxford United's new stadium plans has been delayed after a nearby woodland was designated as District Council was due to review an application for a 16,000-seat venue on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington, on 31 the local authority said it required further time after Natural England identified an area of ancient woodland near the site, and said its planning committee would now consider the application on 14 club said it was "disappointed" with the delay. Development director at Oxford United Jonathon Clarke said it the last-minute submission was "frustrating"."However, we have provided comprehensive evidence addressing the points raised," he said, adding it was "an incredibly detailed, robust application"."We will continue our work towards a positive recommendation as we await a new committee date."The planning application has faced several delays since its council said the designation required "a further period of time to ensure the robust consideration of those matters" and incorporate them into its recommendation England previously said its woodland specialists had "found that there has been sufficient evidence submitted to support this site as ancient woodland".But it added that it would be willing to "consider further substantively different evidence" in this particular case. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Oxford United stadium proposal questioned over ancient woodland
Plans for Oxford United's new stadium have been questioned by campaigners opposed to the proposals after a nearby woodland was designated as ancient.A decision on the U's plans to construct a new purpose-built 16,000 seater ground on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington, is expected to be made by Cherwell District Council on 31 the Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSB) campaign group said that now "seems inconceivable" following Natural England's designation of ancient woodland near to the site.A spokesperson for Oxford United said its proposals "remain unaffected" by the designation. The club said the plans would "not cause any detrimental impact to the woodland"."Our detailed, independently commissioned studies demonstrate the area is not ancient woodland and this evidence has been submitted," it added. Natural England said its woodland specialists had "found that there has been sufficient evidence submitted to support this site as ancient woodland".It added that it would be willing to "consider further substantively different evidence" in this particular said government guidance suggested that planning permission "should be refused if it would result in the loss or deterioration of ancient woodland unless there are 'wholly exceptional reasons'".In addition, the group suggested that proposals "must have a buffer zone of at least 15 metres from the boundary of the woodland to avoid root damage". Victoria Campbell, from Kidlington, said the proposal was "likely to need a buffer zone" in excess of 15m (49ft) given the "very heavy football and significant lighting impacts that a stadium, hotel and commercial development would unavoidably entail".Ms Campbell added: "This is yet more compelling evidence that the Triangle is simply the wrong site and too small for OUFC's proposals and the club should consider other options."Cherwell District Council declined a BBC request for comment. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Campsfield House immigration centre to reopen under same management
A company criticised for how it ran a controversial immigration centre has been awarded a new contract to run the same facility House, near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, was operated by Mitie but shut in 2018 after years of problems, including riots, escapes and complaints about was announced last year it would reopen, and Mitie has now been given a six-year contract to run the site. Mitie, which expects the centre to open in December, said it would ensure Campsfield was a "safe and supportive environment for all". Bill MacKeith, a member of Keep Campsfield Closed coalition, said awarding the contract to Mitie was "shocking". "Mitie does not have a good record," he said. "Its time running Campsfield was marred by a major fire, suicide and three mass hunger strikes."Green councillor for Oxfordshire County Council, Ian Middleton, added: "The fact that this is the same company who ran Campsfield immediately before its closure doesn't bode well for future detainees." The government said the site would have "robust physical security measures and appropriate security procedures in place to ensure the facility operates safely and securely."A petition to keep the site closed has more than 1,600 signatures. Last year, the chief inspector of prisons said Mitie-run Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), near Heathrow, had the worst conditions they had seen in immigration detention. 'Strong leadership' In a statement, Mitie said its new contract to operate Campsfield was "the result of our commitment to upholding the highest standards of welfare, safety, and dignity for all residents in our care.""His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prison's most recent report on Harmondsworth following a review of progress, recognised the centre's exceptional response – highlighting a respectful and positive culture between colleagues and residents, as well as significant improvements to living conditions and facilities since the previous inspection," it added. "We are proud to be bringing the same dedication, compassion, and strong leadership to the running of Campsfield IRC, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
