Latest news with #planningdelay
The Sun
24-07-2025
- 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
23-07-2025
- 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.
