Until there is a change to their editorial policy, I will continue to not read or click on anything from the Fail. I still have difficulty in accepting that both
@OxVox and
@OUSP provide content. Andrew Colley should resign and an apology printed, and posted, for the lies and misinformation propogated by this rag.
Further to this, both organisations have me on their mailing list. Send me the article direct.
"OXFORD United have done the hard work on the pitch and secured Championship status for 2025/26. Whilst this is incredibly important for us, the next two months will decide the long-term future – even survival – of our club, writes Oxford United Supporters’ Panel chair Janine Bailey.
The recent statement by the club and Firoka announcing that a short-term extension for the use of the Kassam Stadium has been agreed has been welcomed by fans.
This has always been OUSP’s preferred short-term solution whilst construction of a new stadium takes place.
The other option, groundsharing, would have created so many practical and emotional barriers for fans that there would inevitably have been a falling away of attendance, just at a time when our fanbase is growing.
Fans unable to travel, whether for physical or financial reasons, would have lost contact with their community. We are therefore delighted that the club and Firoka have agreed this short-term extension.
Nonetheless it is only a short-term solution, which leaves many obstacles to overcome. The extension guarantees only one additional season (until 2027) after the expiry of the current licence in summer 2026, with a third season until 2028 available only if planning permission has been granted.
So, there is our cliff edge – without planning permission the club has no ground to play at after summer 2027.
The statement makes it perfectly clear that there is no long-term future for Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, despite widespread claims to the contrary. It is The Triangle or nothing, planning permission is crucial.
CDC has now set the target planning decision date as July. This will allow the planning officers time to consider additional information provided in April and provides for a further public consultation period until the end of May.
Many supporters have already written in support of the plans: we encourage you to take advantage of this additional period to reinforce your support, even if you have written in previously.
You may find it useful to read April’s submissions under ‘supporting documents’ on Cherwell’s planning website (application 24/00539/F).
These updated planning documents address a number of the previous concerns raised. For example, on traffic management – an understandable concern for those living in the locality – there is
additional data in respect of traffic impact alongside a comprehensive transport strategy. There is further clarity over controlled parking zones which will dovetail with the new housing planned.
The documents provide clear justification of the ‘very special circumstances’ required to develop on designated Green Belt, including the existential requirement for a new stadium which is reinforced by the statement that remaining at the Kassam is not an option.
The club has already demonstrated these circumstances in previous submissions but have updated their case in the light of recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework in December, which introduced the concept of ‘grey belt’, which may well be applicable to The Triangle.
We urge you to look at the plans and send in your comments. You can find further guidance at oxvox.org.uk/cdc-may-30 "
