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.

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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.

Hard surfacing on the site (Image: FOSB)

Hard surfacing on the site (Image: FOSB)

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.”

null (Image: Oxford United)

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.