The judicial review brought by Friends of Stratfield Brake is deeply disappointing, but not entirely surprising.
Letโs be absolutely clear: Oxford Unitedโs 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 Unitedโs 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
Itโs 62 years since #oufcโs most famous meeting with Blackburn.
21,700 fans squeezed into the Manor for an FA Cup 5th round tie in February 1964, as 4th-tier United claimed a shock 3-1 win over a Rovers side who were 2nd in Division 1.
Some great British Pathรฉ footage here!
James Constable โ Oxford United icon. ๐
To celebrate our Icon Collection, we caught up with Beano in the final chapter of our Icon Stories Series.
Watch now for free on OUTV. ๐บ
https://t.co/21Khy8KZWP
Time for my first #FM26 giveaway!
Just need to retweet and follow me to enter, winner will be announced 26th September. If you can't wait, don't forget you can pre-order for ยฃ38.94 using discount code LOLLUJO here: https://t.co/BYMkLxJqwi
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Council planners are due to make a decision on @OUFCOfficial's proposed new stadium. #oufc
โก๏ธ Tap the link to read more https://t.co/8wRZ4ZZttY
๐ป Listen live from 4pm with Jerome Sale on BBC Radio Oxford https://t.co/SIUJBKjtCp