Oxford united FC
Oxford United ‘told to stop new stadium work or face action’
The club’s plans for a 16,000-seat stadium include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space and a gym as well as a community plaza.
It was only last month that Oxford United signed a Section 106 agreement with Cherwell District Council which would put money into the community funded by the football club.
Now, an email chain seen by this newspaper suggests a Cherwell District Council enforcement officer has requested to the development’s agents “that no further works continue”.
“Failure to comply may result in formal enforcement action,” the enforcement officer said in an email on Thursday, March 19.
READ MORE: Oxford United boss speaks on ‘huge’ new stadium progress
It’s claimed in the emails that an area of The Triangle designated for the stadium in Kidlington has been cleared of vegetation and hardcore surface has been installed.
A decision notice previously issued to Oxford United said: “No development shall commence (including demolition, ground works, vegetation clearance) unless and until a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP: Biodiversity) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”
The Friends of Stratfield Brake group has claimed this has not been submitted and is therefore not agreed to by the council.
Cherwell District Council declined to comment.
A representative of Oxford United claimed the story is “untrue” and declined to comment.
Friends of Stratfield Brake, which opposes the stadium development, said it is “shocked” to receive several reports from residents about the changes to the site.
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The groups’ representative said: “Sadly we are unsurprised that OUFC has started works before the proper environmental safeguards are in place.
“The club’s attitude to biodiversity on the site has been dismissive from the outset.
“We have raised enough funds to enable us to seek a judicial review of the planning decision.
“This includes environmental issues relating to ancient woodland and protected species and we believe that all works on site must cease until this legal challenge is completed.
“OUFC’s recent irresponsible actions demonstrate a lack of respect for Cherwell District Council’s development conditions which does not bode well for the local community and environment if this development proceeds.”
FoSB’s solicitor Ricky Gama, of Leigh Day, has recently written to Oxford United to ask what further works it intends to carry out before the judicial review has concluded.
The group said it may consider seeking an injunction to “prevent further irreversible damage to the site if necessary”.
It is said that the Section 106 agreement last month will see more than £5 million invested into infrastructure and local projects, alongside other commitments made as part of a separate Community Collaboration Agreement.
With formal planning approval received, the club can now progress with the next phase of the project, which includes the discharge of pre-commencement conditions and enabling works ahead of construction.
It was last month that Oxford United signed a Section 106 agreement with Cherwell District Council which would put money into the community funded by the football club.
Once the building of the stadium is underway, the costs will not count towards the EFL’s financial parameters set by PSR.
The U’s recently published their accounts, recording a net loss of £17.5 million for the 2024/25 season.
“Once the stadium is formally approved and effectively we’ve got shovels in the ground then all of the costs are excluded from PSR, but at present we are still in the sort of the development phase,” Maguire told BBC Radio Oxford.
“I appreciate there’s been significant costs from a legal point of view in trying to locate an appropriate place for the stadium, discussions with surveyors and architects and all of those costs.
“Because they are now effectively pre-approval or pre the start of the project, strictly they have to be included within the PSR calculations, which is sheer lunacy. I mean whoever’s written the rules clearly doesn’t understand very much about football.
“There is no sporting advantage to Oxford from having such costs, especially given the specific circumstances that the club is undertaking at present, where it has nowhere to play as an alternative and it’s going to have to move as a result of the lease and so on. It does in my view suggest that the EFL’s rules are in need of review.”
🚨 #OxfordUnited‘s underlying losses compared to the rest of the Championship 👀
A bit of a dive into the finances that were published last week. 📊#oufc 🟡https://t.co/EPsjcnbUnB
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) March 26, 2026
U’s CEO Tim Williams revealed at the OxVox fans forum that three institutions are excited about the stadium project with positive responses coming from potential investors.
Maguire went on to detail the challenges that the club faces in persuading lenders to come on board.
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“It’s challenging for a football club to persuade lenders because if you were popping along to your local bank or building society would they lend to Oxford United? No they wouldn’t. The reputational damage if things go wrong is far too high.
“That tends to mean that you’re going to sort of specialist lenders, they will effectively give the club some form of mortgage, they will have no moral or ethical concerns should things start to go wrong.
“They’ve got a nice piece of real estate as far as they’re concerned in the city so they would be able to lend money but my concern would be at what rates of interest because it is a high risk from their point of view.”
The air force base, the largest in the UK, was visited by Baton of Hope to provide the training to help support those in need.
The session took place on Saturday, March 28.
During the session, Oxford United footballer Will Vaulks shared his own personal experiences with mental health and suicide, including the loss of both of his grandfathers.
He also spoke about the ups and downs of his professional career, giving an honest view on resilience, mental health, and the importance of speaking out.
Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy and clinical director Ben Wilson also shared insights into the charity’s work, discussing suicide prevention, awareness, and early intervention.
The session emphasised the importance of peer support and open conversations, aiming to break down stigma, especially in high-performance and service environments.
Attendees were given practical advice on recognising warning signs, initiating conversations, and knowing where to find support.
This event is part of a broader effort to improve mental health awareness and suicide prevention, aiming to better equip communities to support one another.
RAF Brize Norton personnel FS Ian and Sgt Russ said: “We were honoured to welcome the Baton of Hope Charity and Oxford United Football Club to RAF Brize Norton today.
“The work they’re doing to raise awareness around such a difficult but important topic is truly inspiring.
“If even one person left today with the tools to support someone in need, that’s a meaningful success.
“We’re proud to play a part in this conversation, and we hope this is just the beginning of more to come.”
The day was described as an “emotional and thought-provoking morning” focused on suicide prevention.
All attendees received access to vital suicide prevention training, providing them with practical tools and knowledge to support themselves and others.
The session was a part of RAF Brize Norton’s ongoing commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.
The 15-year-old was playing in a Junior Premier League (JPL) match against Fulham at the club’s training facility on Saturday (March 7), when she collapsed on the pitch.
Emergency services, including Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service, attended Oxford Sports Park and transported her to the hospital.
It was then confirmed by the club on Sunday afternoon (March 8) that Amelia had passed away the evening before.
LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE: Book of condolence opened for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin
Oxfordshire and the wider footballing community across the UK have been rocked by the news, with heartfelt tributes pouring in over the past 24 hours.
Yellow flowers, handwritten notes, Oxford United scarves, as well as a football and a goalkeeper shirt with Aplin on the back were all left at Oxford Sports Park today (Monday, March 9).
The club’s first team players and academy held a minute’s silence at the training centre to pay respects on Monday with the club stating Amelia is “forever in our hearts”.
Mourners have come from across the city and beyond to pay their respects to the young shotstopper.
Longtime Oxford community campaigner Amir Steve Ali visited the site to leave a bunch of yellow flowers, being especially moved by having a 15-year-old football-loving daughter himself.
READ MORE: Teenage Oxford United player dies after serious incident during game
He said: “It’s such heartbreaking news. My own daughter is a footballer and the same age as Amelia was, so it’s hit me hard.
“When I went there to lay some flowers to pay tribute and respect, it was a very emotional moment for me.
“I can’t imagine what the girl’s parents must be going through. My thoughts are with them and her loved ones. I pray that she rest in peace.”
Oxford United’s statement said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of 15-year-old Academy player, Amelia Aplin.
READ MORE: Oxford United confirm ‘serious incident’ at girls’ academy game
“Amelia collapsed during a Girls’ Academy game against Fulham at the Club’s Training Centre in Horspath yesterday afternoon.
“The thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Oxford United are with Amelia’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.
“We would like to place on record our appreciation for the efforts of the medical staff at both Oxford United and Fulham Football Club, along with the emergency services.
“The club will offer support to Amelia’s family, players, coaches and staff impacted by this tragic event.
READ MORE: Tributes pour in after death of 15-year-old Oxford United player
“We would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
A statement from the JPL said: “To lose a young player with such promise at just 15 years old is a tragedy that is felt deeply across our football community.”
Martin Brock, chief executive of the JPL, added: “Amelia wasn’t just a goalkeeper, she was a leader and a bright light in our all stars programme.
“Her loss leaves a void in the JPL that words cannot adequately fill. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and his teammates at this unspeakably difficult time.”
READ MORE: Oxford United game postponed after ‘serious incident’ at girls game
Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Amelia’s passing.
“My thoughts are with her family, friends, teammates and coaches, and with everyone at Oxford United who will be devastated by this loss.
“Amelia was clearly a talented young player with a love of the game and a bright future ahead of her, and this tragic loss will be felt right across our community.”
Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, added: “This is terribly sad news.
LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE: Book of condolence opened for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin
“My thoughts are with Amelia Aplin’s family, her friends, and everyone at Oxford United at this awful time.”
Liam Walker, Conservative group leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is utterly devastating news.
“My thoughts are with Amelia’s family and all those impacted by this awful loss. She will forever be a yellow.”
A statement from Oxford City FC said: “Everyone associated with Oxford City FC is sending our sincere condolences to the family of Amelia Aplin and to our friends at Oxford United during this incredibly sad time.”
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