The judicial review brought by Friends of Stratfield Brake is deeply disappointing, but not entirely surprising.
Let’s be absolutely clear: Oxford United’s new stadium application has been one of the most scrutinised, detailed and rigorously assessed planning applications I have ever seen. Time and time again, the Club was required to provide further evidence, undertake additional studies, answer questions, address concerns and jump through countless hoops. Every stage of the process was examined in extraordinary detail.
After years of consultation, professional assessment and democratic scrutiny, Cherwell District Council made its decision and granted planning permission. That decision was not taken lightly. It followed extensive consideration by planning officers, experts and elected councillors who weighed all of the evidence before them.
Now, a small group of individuals are seeking to overturn that democratic decision through the courts. While everyone has the right to pursue legal avenues available to them, it is important to recognise what is at stake. Continued delays create uncertainty for the Club, its supporters, local businesses and the wider community that stands to benefit from this once-in-a-generation investment.
Oxford United has confirmed it will robustly defend the decision alongside Cherwell District Council, and both parties have requested that the High Court expedites the case so that unnecessary delays can be minimised.
I remain firmly supportive of the new stadium project. It will secure Oxford United’s long-term future, bring significant economic benefits to the area, create jobs, improve sporting facilities and deliver substantial investment into our local communities.
The planning process has been followed. The evidence has been examined. The decision has been made democratically.
It is now time to allow that decision to move forward. #OUFC
Oxford United can confirm they have been formally served by Friends of Stratfield Brake with a claim for judicial review of the decision by Cherwell District Council to grant planning permission for our new stadium.
The Club filed its Acknowledgement of Service and Summary Grounds of Resistance with the Court on 3 June 2026.
Read more. ⤵️
https://t.co/d5byCLV6PU
Who would have thought that two #oufc goalkeepers from the 2011-12 season in League Two would be first choice for their country at the 2026 World Cup!
🇦🇷 Emi Martinez (Argentina)
🇳🇿 Max Crocombe (New Zealand - currently playing against England)
Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐️
Bukayo Saka in UCL final:
0 goals
0 assists
0 shots on target
0 chances created
0 big chances created
0 key passes
0 successful take-ons
0 accurate crosses
Cardio.