Oxford United has secured local planning permission for its ambitions to build a new, all-electric football stadium.

Proposals for the 16,000-seat stadium were given the go ahead by Cherwell District Council‘s planning committee on 14 August. The committee voted to approve the application, which includes 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.

Jonathon Clarke, development director at Oxford United, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community.

“Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team. I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.”

Grant Ferguson, chairman of Oxford United, added: “This is a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great club. With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan.”

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. 

David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “This is a very significant decision for Oxfordshire involving meticulous work by officers and extensive public consultation.

“Building on green belt land must not be taken lightly and requires very special circumstances to apply. Oxford United presented a compelling case, demonstrating the urgent need for the club to relocate and the wide-ranging benefits that their stadium will bring to the wider community.

“This well-informed decision has followed the consideration of thousands of pages of information and representations from both supporters and those concerned about the impact on the local area. It was a complex decision to make, but it now allows certainty for the future. 

“Cherwell has provided the opportunity for Oxford United and professional sport to invest in the Kidlington area, creating new jobs and providing new social infrastructure in the south of our district. 

“We will now be working to make sure the stadium is delivered to a high standard, that highways and public safety concerns are fully taken into account, and that the community and economic benefits, as well as supporting infrastructure, are delivered.”

Because green belt land has particular protections under national planning policies, applicants have to demonstrate very special circumstances (VSC) that clearly outweigh the harm caused, for development there to be permitted. 

Oxford United made a 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.

Because the stadium is a major development, comprises development in the green belt and does not feature in the Cherwell Local Plan, the council must now refer the application to the secretary of state.