OXFORD UNITED’s proposed new stadium has been delayed after the club “failed to address key planning issues.”
The U’s are hoping to build a brand new 16,000-seater stadium on an area of land known as the Triangle, just north of the city.
United are enjoying a strong season back in the second tier for the first time since 1999.
Despite being strong favourites for an instant return to League One, Gary Rowett’s side are currently 8 points clear of the drop.
But plans for a new ground have hit a snag after Cherwell District Council requested an extension to “consider additional information.”
The ambitious plans will see the creation of a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, gym and community plaza alongside the stadium.
Oxford had initially expected the planning application would be heard in early 2025.
In a statement, the club claims this date was “was always subject to change.”
They add that “information on key topics including Green Belt, transport, highways, ecology and biodiversity…has been addressed.”
But Suzanne McIvor of the environmental organization Friends of Stratfield Brake accused the club of “poor planning.”
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Per the BBC, she said: “OUFC is putting an extraordinarily positive spin on a planning application that was poorly prepared and which, from the outset, failed to address key planning issues.
“The club must accept responsibility for the delay which is due to its failure to provide timely and sufficient information to Cherwell District Council.”
Jonathon Clarke, Oxford United Development Director, claims the plans have received 2,400 comments in their favour.
Clarke said in a statement: “I’d like to reassure our supporters that planning extensions such as this are common practice with significant developments which require extensive studies and careful examination.
“We continue to have positive meetings with key stakeholders and fully appreciate the need to ensure everything is in place for a favourable decision to be made.
“This incredible, once in a lifetime project will secure the long-term future of the Club and deliver multiple benefits to local communities.
“The fact the application has received more than 2,400 comments in our favour is a testament to the overwhelming support for this project.”
