Oxford United’s hopes of progressing with their new stadium project have been dealt another setback after the government imposed a further delay.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has been granted more time to decide whether to intervene on the club’s planning application.
Fresh Hold-Up For Triangle Site
The U’s received planning permission from Cherwell District Council on 14 August for a 16,000-seat stadium at The Triangle, near Kidlington. The project is set to replace the Kassam Stadium, where the club’s lease is due to expire.
However, as the scheme exceeds normal thresholds, the application was automatically referred to the Secretary of State. While ministers normally have 21 days to decide whether to ‘call in’ an application, the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a holding direction on 11 September, giving the new Secretary of State, Steve Reed, more time to review the matter.
The department stressed that the holding direction should not be taken as an indication of the government’s view on the proposal, only that requests had been made for the application to be examined at national level.
Club Left Waiting Again
The latest development is another frustration for Oxford United, who have already faced several delays during the planning process. The club’s vision for a modern, multi-purpose stadium has been years in the making, with supporters and local stakeholders eager for clarity on when construction might begin.
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner’s recent resignation and subsequent changes in government have added further uncertainty, with Reed only recently stepping into his role. For the club, the delay prolongs the wait for a final decision on whether the scheme can proceed without further scrutiny.
The U’s want a new ground because their Kassam Stadium lease expires in 2026, leaving their future at risk. The Kassam has limited capacity, poor transport links, and outdated facilities. The club’s proposed new ground at would be all-electric, more sustainable, and include community facilities like a hotel and conference centre. It is designed to secure long-term survival, improve fan experience, generate revenue, and deliver wider economic and social benefits for Oxfordshire.
Writer’s View
Oxford United’s long-running stadium saga has once again been pushed back, leaving both fans and officials in limbo. While planning permission from Cherwell District Council marked a major milestone, the government’s intervention ensures the project remains on hold.
Until the Secretary of State confirms whether or not the scheme will be called in, the U’s cannot move forward with a development seen as critical to their long-term future. With the Kassam lease nearing its end, the need for resolution grows more pressing by the week.
