Oxford United campaigners to “fight on” after legal challenge refused

Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSB), a community group based near Kidlington, is seeking to block the club’s proposed 16,000-seat ground on green belt land at the Triangle site next to Oxford Parkway.

The development – which would include a hotel, restaurant, gym and other facilities alongside the main stand – has been billed by the club as a “once-in-a-generation” project that would reshape its home in Oxfordshire.

Planning permission was granted earlier this year after Cherwell District Council and the government backed the scheme, despite objections from FoSB and other local residents concerned about the loss of open space.

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Oxford United argues the new stadium is essential to securing its long-term future once its lease at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2028, warning that the club’s position could be at risk if the Triangle plan does not go ahead.

FoSB, represented by law firm Leigh Day, launched judicial review proceedings in the High Court, claiming the council’s decision was unlawful and raising concerns about the impact on nearby woodland, wildlife and local roads.

A High Court judge has now refused the group’s initial application for permission to bring a full judicial review, turning down the challenge on the papers.

However, the campaigners say such refusals are common at this early stage and insist the setback does not change their determination to continue the fight.

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In a legal update, FoSB said it would press ahead with the next step by seeking an oral permission hearing, where a barrister will argue in person why the case should be allowed to go forward.

The group has repeatedly pointed to advice from Natural England about whether part of Stratfield Brake woodland could be classified as ancient woodland, and has questioned assumptions in the stadium plans around matchday road closures, traffic management and parking.

Supporters have already raised tens of thousands of pounds towards legal costs through a fundraising campaign, saying they felt they had “no choice” but to turn to the courts after local objections were not resolved during the planning process.

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FoSB was formed in 2022 to oppose changes to land use at Stratfield Brake, which has long acted as a green buffer between north Oxford and Kidlington.

Cherwell District Council, which granted permission, maintains it followed proper procedures and has indicated it will defend its decision robustly if the case progresses.

Oxford United, meanwhile, continues to promote the Triangle project through its stadium website and public consultations, arguing the new ground would bring investment, improved facilities and community benefits to the wider area.

FoSB expects the permission hearing to be listed for later this month or early August, with the outcome determining whether the legal battle over the Kidlington stadium proceeds to a full High Court review.