OXFORD United will this afternoon learn whether their proposals for a new stadium will get planning permission.
The U’s are looking to build a 16,000-capacity ground at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, and the application will be heard by Cherwell District Council’s planning committee later today.
The meeting starts at 4pm, and the Oxford Mail will be providing live updates and reaction from the council offices.
It has been a long and winding journey for United supporters, but how did we get here?
READ ALSO: U’s to welcome Premier League side in Carabao Cup
December 2022
The club confirmed that it was in ‘preliminary discussions regarding a potential alternative site’ as opposed to Stratfield Brake, which had been the earlier earmarked location.
January 2023
A banner unfurled during the Emirates FA Cup clash at home against Arsenal brought the attention of the world to the club’s search for a new stadium.
Designed and paid for by independent supporter group OxVox, the banner read ‘Support Our Stadium: Secure Our Future’.
READ AGAIN: SOS stadium banner revealed during Oxford United’s clash with Arsenal
January 2023
The search for a new ground took a step forward when Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet followed up its recommendation to allow officers to begin talks on ‘outline legal and commercial terms’ with regard to The Triangle.
March 2023
The county council cabinet then agreed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ in connection with building a stadium at The Triangle, essentially a framework for talks.
September 2023
Anneliese Dodds became the first MP to give their backing to the new stadium proposals.
The Labour MP for Oxford East was hosting a reception on behalf of the U’s at the Houses of Parliament.
READ AGAIN: Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds backs Oxford United stadium plans
September 2023
The county council cabinet agreed the leasehold sale of the land at The Triangle, subject to planning permission and covenants.
October 2023
United published seven images and a virtual flythrough of what the proposed stadium could look like.
READ AGAIN: Oxford United release pictures of what new stadium could look like
February 2024
The U’s revealed that a quarter of the proposed stadium at The Triangle will allow for safe standing.
February 2024
United submitted a full planning application to Cherwell District Council for the construction of a 16,000-capacity ground at The Triangle.
April 2024
Heads of terms between the U’s and the county council for the proposed stadium at The Triangle were agreed.
The council reported: “This agreement represents positive progress in helping the club secure a long-term home in the county.”
May 2024
It was confirmed that all contracts relating to the land had been signed. United announced that a legally binding lease option with the county council had been signed, in addition to a community collaboration agreement.
It was announced that the U’s will stay at their current ground, the Kassam Stadium, for a maximum of two more seasons.
United do not own the Kassam and saw a previous licence agreement there run out on June 30, 2026, however an extension was signed.
The U’s and landlords Firoka Group signed a short-term licence extension, allowing the club to stay at the Kassam for a maximum of two more seasons.
The licence will run for at least one additional year, with an option to extend for a maximum of one more year depending on United receiving planning approval for The Triangle.
August 2025
A report published by the Cherwell District Council planning team stated that the application is recommended for approval.
If the planning committee agrees with the recommendations of the report, then the application will be referred to the Secretary of State.
