Oxford United has secured government approval for its ambitions to build a new, all-electric football stadium.

Housing, communities and local government secretary, Steve Reed, has decided not to call in the club’s planning application for review,  after it was given planning permission by Cherwell District Council in August. 

Grant Ferguson, chairman of Oxford United, said: “The government review was conducted after Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee approved the plans on 14 August.

“The secretary of state’s decision to not to call in the planning application for our 16,000-capacity stadium on land north of the city means the club can now begin to deliver on its vision.

“On behalf of everyone at Oxford United, I would like to thank all of our supporters, along with the incredible project team who have been instrumental in getting us to this point.”

Proposals also include a hotel, restaurant, gardens, car park and transport infrastructure.

Oxford United previously announced its plans to build the first stadium in the country powered solely by electricity. It would use a low-carbon energy supply with power also generated by solar panels.

The application relates to the site known as The Triangle, located between Stratfield Brake and Oxford Parkway Railway Station in Kidlington. A key factor in the decision was the applicant justifying a need to build on green belt land.

Oxford United made a very special circumstances (VSC) case including the need for the club to leave its current stadium, the lack of alternative sites and evidence of the community and economic benefits the new stadium will realise.

The application commits to bringing forward improvements to the surrounding transport network; measures to reduce ecological impact, 20% biodiversity net gain; plus, a package of works and to reinforce supporting infrastructure capacity.

Once the Section 106 agreement that sets out financial contributions by the club to infrastructure improvements is finalised, the application decision can then be issued by Cherwell District Council.

The club will share further updates in due course.