Oxford United stadium approval goes into extra time

By Gbam Godwin On Sep 24, 2025

Oxford United stadium approval goes into extra time.

Oxford United’s stadium plans require further time from the government to “fully assess” the development application. The football club received approval from Cherwell District Council at a meeting in August.

After their lease at the Kassam Stadium expires, the club’s owners intend to build a new 16,000-seater stadium at The Triangle site in Kidlington. The Department for Housing, Communities, and Local Government requires complete authority following council approval.

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However, the club stated that the government department has asked additional time to review the details. It is unclear what the problem is, if any, or how long it will take to reach a final conclusion.

The club said in a statement: “Oxford United Football Club can confirm that the planning application for the proposed new stadium on land to the north of Oxford is still being considered by the Department for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

“The Secretary of State has informed the Cherwell District Council planning authority that the department wants further time to thoroughly consider the planning application, which the council approved on August 14.

“Oxford United remains dedicated to constructing a world-class stadium that will benefit both the club and the greater community.

“We appreciate our fans and stakeholders’ ongoing support and patience as we await the resolution of this process.

“Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.” According to a source at the Department for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, the department “received requests to call in the planning application”.

According to the source, the additional time required “should not be read as any indication of the secretary of state’s view towards” the stadium planning proposal.

However, the department refuses to explain why further time is required. Because of its enormity, the proposal was referred to the secretary of state after Cherwell District Council approved it.

Angela Rayner was in office at the time, however she has since resigned due to a tax scandal, and Steve Reed now holds the job. The minister has 21 days to determine whether to ‘call in’ the application for further reconsideration.

On September 11, the Department for Housing, Communities, and Local Government issued a ‘holding direction’ to give the Secretary of State additional time to determine whether to call it in. It will be in effect until the secretary of state determines whether or not to call in the planning application.

Jonathon Clarke, Oxford United’s development director, has previously stated that getting the new stadium is “absolutely critical to the club’s future”.