OXFORD United fans living in Kidlington have detailed the positive impacts a new stadium could bring to the area.

It comes as a legal challenge regarding a council consultation on the proposal threatens to cause disruption.

Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSB) believe that Oxfordshire County Council’s recent consultation on the stadium plans was ‘unlawful as it failed to provide sufficient information to the public’.

The council emphasised though that drop-in exhibitions were organised at local community venues, while leaflets were dropped within a two-mile radius of ‘The Triangle’ site.

A spokesperson for the local authority said it will respond to FoSB’s judicial review pre-action letter in due course.

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Kidlington locals though have voiced how a new ground could benefit one of the country’s largest villages.

Jim Smart, 89, has been to just half a dozen U’s games and described himself as very much an armchair fan.

“I’m all for it and think it’ll give Kidlington a bit of a boost,” he said.

“The general feeling where I live is yes for the stadium.

“The club looks after the community and throughout Covid, they came over to help each week and check I was alright.”

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Grassroots football coach Leighton Davies is excited by the potential to improve local sports infrastructure.

He said: “I am really excited about the opportunity that has presented itself to our community, with the Oxford United stadium proposal.

“The stadium will serve as a hub for community events, offering a sense of unity and pride, and the state-of-the-art facility will offer a platform for local talent to showcase their skills and dreams.

“I firmly believe that this development will not only elevate the level of football in our area, but will also provide countless benefits for the local community as a whole.

“I would urge the local residents to get behind it, if not for yourself, do it for the benefit of generations to come.”

Liam Walker said: “As a family living in Kidlington for many years, we have watched the gradual decline of opportunities for young people with dismay.

“There has been a lack of investment in our children and our sports teams struggle with poor facilities.

“The community stadium offers huge investment into our village with jobs and infrastructure but will also provide a venue for sports, education and recreation that will benefit us all.

“Our sports teams will receive much-needed help, our village will have a world-class facility and our kids will have a facility for sport, education and inspiration.

“We for one are tired of having outside groups claim to speak for all of us. We support the stadium at The Triangle and want to see it progress to planning so we can all see what it has to offer us.”

Kidlington resident William Willmot said: “Everything about the proposed new stadium is what might happen.

“All the anti-side come up with is a list of what might cause a problem. For me being a resident, I can only see what might benefit our community.

“For me, the biggest ‘what might happen’ is that we are doing something for the young and future generations of the area, somewhere that can become a community space not just for football but for diverse activities, improving local sporting facilities which will allow more children to participate in sport, and helping local schools develop sports programmes to improve children’s health.”

Katrina Jenkins added: “I have been a resident of Kidlington for more than 60 years and I’m giving a new stadium in the village my full backing.

“I went to The Manor and now the Kassam Stadium, so I feel a permanent base is desperately needed not only for the wider community, but for a stable future.

“We have lost so many retail outlets in the last few years and with North Oxford Golf Club closing in 2025, on top of all the new houses planned, what will there be for people to do?”

Property developer Greg James said: “It is my strong belief that it will increase house values in the area, and provide invaluable income and jobs to Kidlington, both during construction and once in place.

“As someone with a family, the added facilities are much-needed and should help invigorate the village.”

Max Page added: “The stadium would be a massive benefit for the village. Kidlington is growing old and tired, and the stadium will provide facilities that can be used by all of the residents. The club will also provide extra amenities for the sports clubs of Kidlington.”

United are looking to build a new ground at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, with the club’s licence agreement at the Kassam running out in 2026.

On September 19, the county council’s cabinet is set to decide whether or not to lease or sell land at The Triangle to the club.

Planning permission for a new stadium would be required from Cherwell District Council, as the local planning authority.

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About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.