General New Stadium Plans - The Triangle - Planning

[SteMerritt]

New Stadium Project​

​

Planning Portal: Planning Application - 24/00539/F Stadium News Digest Thread: Click Here. Latest from Club: 10/03/2025: Hotel Partners Announced (Click Here). Latest from CDC: 24/04/2025: Consultation until 25 May (Click Here). Target Decision Date: Earliest 5th June 2025, subject to change.

 

[Billyox]

 

[Sarge]

View attachment 26528

well said @bazzer9461

now lets see if Steve Fisher really does ' consider the matter closed', or is he already penning a (pompous-) response?

 

[Billyox]

My latest comment on the planning application

I am writing in the strongest possible terms to support the planning application for Oxford United’s new stadium at The Triangle — and to urge decision-makers not to be swayed by the misleading, self-interested campaign being pushed by the Friends of Stratfield Brake.

Let’s call this group what it is: a small, unrepresentative pressure group that has gone out of its way to obstruct progress, distort facts, and promote fear and confusion about a project that delivers clear and overwhelming benefits to the wider Oxfordshire community.

Their claims are not just exaggerated — they are fundamentally dishonest. They speak as if the stadium will destroy green space and shut people out, when in reality this plan will open up more public access, invest in biodiversity, and provide sustainable infrastructure for everyone. They act as if a few dog-walkers losing a muddy field is more important than saving a 130-year-old football club from extinction. That is an absurd and selfish position.

The Friends of Stratfield Brake do not represent Oxfordshire. They represent their own narrow, privileged interests and have made it their mission to block progress no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Oxford United — a club that provides jobs, inspires young people, boosts local business, and unites the community — is fighting for its very future. That is what is truly at stake here.

It is time to stop allowing a handful of entrenched objectors to hold back something so clearly in the public interest. The stadium proposal is environmentally sound, transport-connected, community-oriented, and vital to the survival of one of Oxfordshire’s most important institutions.

The Friends of Stratfield Brake may shout loudly, but volume does not equal truth. The council has a duty to see through the misinformation and make a decision based on facts, not fear. The Triangle proposal stands up to scrutiny. It is lawful, sustainable, and overwhelmingly beneficial.

Don’t let the selfish agenda of a few derail a project that will benefit tens of thousands. Approve the stadium, protect the future of Oxford United, and show that Oxfordshire is ready to back something that truly matters.

 

[Sarge]

My latest comment on the planning application

I am writing in the strongest possible terms to support the planning application for Oxford United’s new stadium at The Triangle — and to urge decision-makers not to be swayed by the misleading, self-interested campaign being pushed by the Friends of Stratfield Brake.

Let’s call this group what it is: a small, unrepresentative pressure group that has gone out of its way to obstruct progress, distort facts, and promote fear and confusion about a project that delivers clear and overwhelming benefits to the wider Oxfordshire community.

Their claims are not just exaggerated — they are fundamentally dishonest. They speak as if the stadium will destroy green space and shut people out, when in reality this plan will open up more public access, invest in biodiversity, and provide sustainable infrastructure for everyone. They act as if a few dog-walkers losing a muddy field is more important than saving a 130-year-old football club from extinction. That is an absurd and selfish position.

The Friends of Stratfield Brake do not represent Oxfordshire. They represent their own narrow, privileged interests and have made it their mission to block progress no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Oxford United — a club that provides jobs, inspires young people, boosts local business, and unites the community — is fighting for its very future. That is what is truly at stake here.

It is time to stop allowing a handful of entrenched objectors to hold back something so clearly in the public interest. The stadium proposal is environmentally sound, transport-connected, community-oriented, and vital to the survival of one of Oxfordshire’s most important institutions.

The Friends of Stratfield Brake may shout loudly, but volume does not equal truth. The council has a duty to see through the misinformation and make a decision based on facts, not fear. The Triangle proposal stands up to scrutiny. It is lawful, sustainable, and overwhelmingly beneficial.

Don’t let the selfish agenda of a few derail a project that will benefit tens of thousands. Approve the stadium, protect the future of Oxford United, and show that Oxfordshire is ready to back something that truly matters.

Excellent

 

[LeftSideLarry]

Clearly this fella is a Sheffield Wednesday employee.

 

[Billyox]

Clearly this fella is a Sheffield Wednesday employee.

View attachment 26530

Dear oh dear should of stopped writing at "I"

 

[holdsteady]

Clearly this fella is a Sheffield Wednesday employee.

View attachment 26530

I agree with him, City can just stay at Court Farm.

 

[FatOldSun]

Have any of us actually seen this e-mail from Kassam? Is it publicly available anywhere?

 

[Billyox]

Have any of us actually seen this e-mail from Kassam? Is it publicly available anywhere?

Yeah its shocking as fosb call it

 

[Sarge]

Yeah its shocking as fosb call it

View attachment 26531

cheers @Billyox - that Oxford Mail front page falsely inferring that OUFC could stay at Grenoble Road was based entirely on that email

As FoSB supporters & Kidlington greens are using Oxford Mail Stories to object to the Stadium, do you have access to any of the Oxford Mail Stories 'reporting' what the bowlplex and stadium owner has planned for the site?

 

[Manorlounger]

Yeah its shocking as fosb call it

View attachment 26531

I still struggle to believe that this email emanated from Kassam himself. The language and tone ill befits any serious businessman looking to impart a "fair, honest and transparent picture" The whole email reads very much in the tone and style of someone lacking in any finesse or debating skills.
Has the source of this email ever been tested and proven? To whom was it addressed?

 

[Billyox]

cheers @Billyox - that Oxford Mail front page falsely inferring that OUFC could stay at Grenoble Road was based entirely on that email

As FoSB supporters & Kidlington greens are using Oxford Mail Stories to object to the Stadium, do you have access to any of the Oxford Mail Stories 'repoerting' what the bowlplex and stadium owner has planned for the site?

What we have to remember firstly this email was sent January 20th 2023 fosb claim it was also sent to journalists so at the time even the journalists didn't think it was any thing important

August 2023 Fosb posted this on there website again it went absolutely no where

January 12th 2024 fosb was exposed to be trying to grab public money to pay there legal fees through the form of a grant from kpc fosb got a massive backlash from residents of Kidlington

January 18th 2024
oxford mail headline news
coincidence that this come out in attempt to save face after the backlash just a week earlier

 

[Concretebob]

I still struggle to believe that this email emanated from Kassam himself. The language and tone ill befits any serious businessman looking to impart a "fair, honest and transparent picture" The whole email reads very much in the tone and style of someone lacking in any finesse or debating skills.
Has the source of this email ever been tested and proven? To whom was it addressed?

Personally I've always felt the same. Something about that "email" just never seemed right to me.

 

[Billyox]

Personally I've always felt the same. Something about that "email" just never seemed right to me.

Couple of things that make me suspicious about it why is the email address not been covered up like the who it's to and who was copied in
It's been done like how I would do it if i was posting it on here

 

[Common Villager]

When Darryl Eales first took over, my Dad and I had the opportunity to speak to him about his plans for the club etc. He was very keen to buy the stadium and was surprisingly optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Kassam. I wondered if he knew something the rest of didn't. Fast forward six months or so and we had another opportunity to discuss the progress with him, and his attitude had changed completely; he looked defeated. He said that Kassam's valuation of the stadium was eye-watering and even if the club were to match it, he would still insist on certain restrictions e.g. we couldn't change the name (therefore losing out on significant income from naming rights). It was a complete non-starter.

Kassam can say whatever he likes in attempt to protect the 'saviour' image he likes to portray, but the undeniable truth is he has repeatedly lied and disregarded what's best for the club ever since he took it over. The fact of the matter is that he has served the club notice because he can make more money knocking the stadium down and building houses. He separated the club and the stadium despite promising never to do so, and has refused to engage in meaningful negotiations ever since.

To those naïve enough to suggest that the club can stay at the Kassam, I know a Nigerian prince who'd like to transfer some money into your bank account.

 

[Concretebob]

Couple of things that make me suspicious about it why is the email address not been covered up like the who it's to and who was copied in
It's been done like how I would do it if i was posting it on here View attachment 26532

Yep. I wouldn't put anything past that lot though.

If the stadium doesn't happen because of this one screenshot our lawyers will wipe the floor with CDC.

 

[Concretebob]

When Darryl Eales first took over, my Dad and I had the opportunity to speak to him about his plans for the club etc. He was very keen to buy the stadium and was surprisingly optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Kassam. I wondered if he knew something the rest of didn't. Fast forward six months or so and we had another opportunity to discuss the progress with him, and his attitude had changed completely; he looked defeated. He said that Kassam's valuation of the stadium was eye-watering and even if the club were to match it, he would still insist on certain restrictions e.g. we couldn't change the name (therefore losing out on significant income from naming rights). It was a complete non-starter.

Kassam can say whatever he likes in attempt to protect the 'saviour' image he likes to portray, but the undeniable truth is he has repeatedly lied and disregarded what's best for the club ever since he took it over. The fact of the matter is that he has served the club notice because he can make more money knocking the stadium down and building houses. He separated the club and the stadium despite promising never to do so, and has refused to engage in meaningful negotiations ever since.

To those naïve enough to suggest that the club can stay at the Kassam, I know a Nigerian prince who'd like to transfer some money into your bank account.

Couldn't have put it better. The thing is besides the argument about us being able to stay that FoSB are trying to stir up, we have been treated like utter crap by Firoka. If any of these "environmentalists" lived under a landlord that treats their tenant in such a manner, maybe they would understand but they are people who are wealthy, own two homes, go on holiday often etc so wouldn't not have a clue.

We have to move

 

[Marked Ox]

Couldn't have put it better. The thing is besides the argument about us being able to stay that FoSB are trying to stir up, we have been treated like utter crap by Firoka. If any of these "environmentalists" lived under a landlord that treats their tenant in such a manner, maybe they would understand but they are people who are wealthy, own two homes, go on holiday often etc so wouldn't not have a clue.

We have to move

Didn't one particular Green Councillor have a right rant about his business's landlord?

 

[Billyox]

Let reread the famous Oxford mail article again now we all know Mr kassam has never been shy at going to the press


The owner of Kassam Stadium says he is open to Oxford United staying at the ground, despite the club claiming it “must find a new home”.




Firoz Kassam has confirmed to the Oxford Mail he is happy for the Yellows to continue playing home games at the stadium in Littlemore.

It comes as the club looks to move away from the Kassam, with controversial plans to build a 16,000-capacity stadium in Kidlington.


Oxford United chief executive Tim Williams claims there is “no option to renew the lease” at the Kassam which expires in 2026.

He said the club “must find a new home”.

But the top bosses at Oxford United have now faced accusations that they never even asked to stay at the Kassam.

Oxford Mail: Kassam Stadium, Oxford United's current ground which was opened in 2001
Kassam Stadium, Oxford United's current ground which was opened in 2001

Friends of Stratfield Brake, a campaign group against the new stadium, claims Kassam landlords Firoka, a company owned by Mr Kassam, were never approached by the club about renewing the lease.

Group member Suzanne McIvor said the club’s bosses had “not given the whole story” about the stadium saga.

When the Oxford Mail put these claims to Mr Kassam, who owned Oxford United from 1999 to 2006 and built the stadium in 2001, he said: “That is completely true.”

The revelation comes as Oxford United prepares a planning application for a new stadium at the Triangle, an area of land south of Kidlington Roundabout.

The club wants to submit the plan to Cherwell District Council, the planning authority, at the “earliest possible opportunity”.



A club spokesman said: "The club has explored options at the current stadium.

“We have always been clear in our position and remain focused on securing a long-term and sustainable future for the club and look forward to submitting our full planning application."



But the stadium move has been criticised by Ian Middleton, who represents Kidlington East on the district council.

The Green councillor said: “There’s more to this claim from Oxford United that they can’t negotiate to stay at the Kassam than they are letting on”.

He accused the club of having “tunnel vision” on the Triangle site.


“No one wants to see the club homeless, but if they genuinely have no option to stay at the Kassam they shouldn’t be wasting what little time they say they have left by pursuing a pipe dream in Kidlington,” he added.

Oxford United's relationship with Firoka has historically been tricky.

In 2019, the company served the club with a winding-up petition for £204,000 in unpaid rent and service charges.

At the time, the club said it was “extremely disappointed” with Firoka’s actions.



So there we have it this whole article has one so called quote from Mr kassam "that is completely true"

What was the claim put forward by the Oxford mail??? according to suzy in this article claims Kassam landlords Firoka, a company owned by Mr Kassam, were never approached by the club about renewing the lease.and that the club bosses had given the full story

So who gave the club the one game licence agreement and followed with the 5 year license agreement if we hadn't asked????

 

[WRox]

It’s the wording in that Steve Fisher letter that’s so ridiculous. There’s a big difference between “everything being done” and “reasonable efforts”. I’m sure we could stay at the Kassam for a long while if we just gave him £100m instead of building a stadium with it.

We could attempt to negotiate a lease extension that makes for a better financial case for Kassam than selling the land. Would leave us with about 50p to cover existing debts and build a competitive playing squad, and would leave absolutely no incentive for anyone to own us other than as a very expensive vanity project in National League South. But we could do that and cross our fingers we might survive in non-league.

Of course anyone with an ounce of common sense is going to see that the investment case in the new stadium will be a huge boost for the local economy before you even factor in the delta of losing the football club altogether, plus the potential for housing etc on the Kassam site.

Is everything being done to stay? No of course not, that’d be absolutely ludicrous.

 

[trainingcone]

What we have to remember firstly this email was sent January 20th 2023 fosb claim it was also sent to journalists so at the time even the journalists didn't think it was any thing important

August 2023 Fosb posted this on there website again it went absolutely no where

January 12th 2024 fosb was exposed to be trying to grab public money to pay there legal fees through the form of a grant from kpc fosb got a massive backlash from residents of Kidlington

January 18th 2024
oxford mail headline news
coincidence that this come out in attempt to save face after the backlash just a week earlier

Interesting, what was the massive backlash from the local residents?

 

[Billyox]

Interesting, what was the massive backlash from the local residents?

Lots of people were criticising them for trying to get a grant with it being public money

 

[Concretebob]

Didn't one particular Green Councillor have a right rant about his business's landlord?

He sure did. That was after certain Green Councillor wanted his terms changed after signing the agreement.

 

[Concretebob]

Lots of people were criticising them for trying to get a grant with it being public money

£3,000 exactly. Which could be used for things like food banks, activities for elderly people, support for disabled people etc.

Not for paying some lawyers fees owed by a hobbyist lobbyist "environmental" group

 

[unification]

Lots of people were criticising them for trying to get a grant with it being public money

The main evidence was them pulling the application for grant money very quickly. Even the lesser spotted KPC secretary reported as such on Nextdoor to confirm it.

I even noticed on the thread about it on there that anti-stadium types were critical of FOSB using tax payer funds to pay for legal fees.

 

[Billyox]

The main evidence was them pulling the application for grant money very quickly. Even the lesser spotted KPC secretary reported as such on Nextdoor to confirm it.

I even noticed on the thread about it on there that anti-stadium types were critical of FOSB using tax payer funds to pay for legal fees.

It was noticeable the absence of ian middleton on that thread
When vicky did finally appear she tried to claim us supporters had wasted £7k of public money because we caused a bi election

 

[Oxymoron]

I have used an FOI (Found on Internet) to obtain a first draft of the shocking news item

 

[Concretebob]

It was noticeable the absence of ian middleton on that thread
When vicky did finally appear she tried to claim us supporters had wasted £7k of public money because we caused a bi election

It was probably Middleton who suggested they applied for the grant

Shameless that lot.

 

[FatOldSun]

Right, so in January 2023 Firoz Kassam sent an e-mail to OCC councillors and Layla Moran MP to say that the club hadn't approached Firoka since at least the beginning of 2021 about the situation at the stadium.

In January 2024, a whole 12 months later, a headline surfaced in the OF where Kassam apparently confirmed to the OF that the above was completely true. However, the club could have been in discussions with Firoka from February 2023 onwards and yet the above would have still been true as it refers to the two year period prior to 2023. The OF, with plenty of help from FoSB, made a huge and possibly incorrect assumption to state that Kassam was open to the club staying at his stadium. It's impossible to know this from the information provided. Had Firoka been approached during this period, the answer may well have been "No you can't stay".

Our new owners took over in September 2022, only 3-4 months before this e-mail was sent. It would be interesting to find out how soon they held meetings with Firoka after this, although we'll likely never know.

 

[Yellows1]

When Darryl Eales first took over, my Dad and I had the opportunity to speak to him about his plans for the club etc. He was very keen to buy the stadium and was surprisingly optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Kassam. I wondered if he knew something the rest of didn't. Fast forward six months or so and we had another opportunity to discuss the progress with him, and his attitude had changed completely; he looked defeated. He said that Kassam's valuation of the stadium was eye-watering and even if the club were to match it, he would still insist on certain restrictions e.g. we couldn't change the name (therefore losing out on significant income from naming rights). It was a complete non-starter.

Kassam can say whatever he likes in attempt to protect the 'saviour' image he likes to portray, but the undeniable truth is he has repeatedly lied and disregarded what's best for the club ever since he took it over. The fact of the matter is that he has served the club notice because he can make more money knocking the stadium down and building houses. He separated the club and the stadium despite promising never to do so, and has refused to engage in meaningful negotiations ever since.

To those naïve enough to suggest that the club can stay at the Kassam, I know a Nigerian prince who'd like to transfer some money into your bank account.

Perfectly put sir.