Oxford United wins planning approval for new stadium

Oxford United's plan for a 16,000-seat stadium at The Triangle has been approved by Cherwell District Council after a four-hour planning meeting.

Oxford United wins planning approval for new stadium

Cherwell District Council’s planning committee approved the 16,000-capacity stadium at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, after more than four hours of debate. The application will be referred to the Secretary of State as a standard step for large schemes. The panel voted 14 in favour, with three abstentions and one against. The project ties a legally binding lease option with Oxfordshire County Council to keep Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium until June 2028 at the latest, while a new ground is built.

Supporters say the plan will bring jobs and boost local businesses, while opponents warn about the impact on nearby residents and the surrounding area. The meeting was watched by thousands on a live stream, illustrating how closely the decision is watched by both club supporters and local residents.

The approval shows how local authorities balance economic hopes with neighborhood concerns. Large stadium projects test the willingness of councils to back long-term community benefits against potential disruption to daily life. The Secretary of State referral adds a layer of scrutiny that can stretch timelines and raise political stakes for local leaders.

Looking ahead, the fate of The Triangle will depend on how well the club, council, and residents manage traffic, noise and local infrastructure. This case reflects a broader pattern in which sports growth is pitched as urban renewal, even as communities worry about cost, equity and place.

Highlights

The Triangle outcome will shape how the city weighs growth against neighborhood life in the years to come.