Oxford United fans say ‘fire up diggers’ over stadium challenge

The Friends of Stratfield Brake campaign group this week initiated the legal challenge through a judicial review at the High Court against Cherwell District Council‘s planning permission for the 16,000-seater stadium.

A spokesman at the U’s said the club is ready to support Cherwell District Council in its defence while the authority said it is “confident” in its decision.

Fans of the Yellows, too, are confident that they can keep the new stadium at The Triangle in Kidlington despite the legal threat.

Oxford United’s new stadium (Image: Oxford United)

U’s fan James Valero said: “All the relevant planning procedures in this country have been followed and it’s all been approved by the relevant authorities.

“Just go ahead and get building the stadium that the club and city deserves.”

Fellow fan Robert Ian Green said: “Absolutely we need the new stadium.”

Another supporter Levi Grant added: “This is getting ridiculous. Just get them diggers fired up.”

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Oxford man Paul Harris said: “The clock is ticking now, get it sorted as soon as possible. Luton Town have got ‘spades in the ground’ and started work on the new 20,000 capacity stadium.”

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Meanwhile, Kidlington resident Bill Laver said: “I have no problem with the stadium being built as long as its use does not impact on the local population.

“Originally the plans proposed a bridge to allow supporters to access the stadium from the more than adequate parking facilities but now they want a major road closed on match days because the bridge is not an option.”

And supporter Bridget Elaine Hubbard said: “I don’t really see the issue. The stadium will be on a piece of land sandwiched between two major roads.

“But the plus side is surely that it is accessible from the Oxford Parkway reducing the traffic on the A34 and the ring road to the Kassam.

“There is already a sports ground next to the Stratfield Brake, but this is across the road.”

Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan with councillor Liam Walker (Image: Liam Walker)

Liam Walker, Conservative leader and U’s fan, described the legal challenge as “nothing more than a delay tactic” with issues that have been scrutinised for years potentially being “dragged” through court.

Mr Walker added: “The reality is simple. Oxford United needs a new home.

“Without it, the long-term future of the club is at risk along with the jobs, investment and opportunities this once-in-a-generation project will bring to our area.”

Indeed, Oxford United has previously warned about the club’s future being potentially in doubt should the stadium not be built.