Legal challenge in High Court over Oxford United stadium approval
Campaign group contests planning decision citing wildlife and road issues
Last updated 19 hours ago
Judicial review proceedings have been initiated in the High Court by Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSB), challenging the decision to grant planning permission for Oxford United Football Club's proposed new stadium.
The community group contends that Cherwell District Council unlawfully approved the development on green belt land, which includes plans for a hotel, restaurant, and conference centre.
The stadium is planned for a 16,000-capacity site between Kidlington and Oxford, in a location known as 'the Triangle,' adjacent to the Stratfield Brake woodland.
FoSB has repeatedly voiced concerns regarding the environmental impacts and transport arrangements associated with the development.
Despite their continuous efforts to communicate these issues through formal legal correspondence, FoSB argues that their concerns have been ignored by the council, leading them to seek permission for judicial review.
The group challenges the council's treatment of advice from Natural England regarding the ecological status of Stratfield Brake, where evidence was deemed inconclusive about the woodland's ancient status.
Natural England recommended a cautious approach due to the uncertainty around the woodland's classification.
FoSB also questions the council's transport plans for matchday road closures, claiming the assumption that extensive traffic measures could be swiftly enacted lacks evidence.
Ricardo Gama, from law firm Leigh Day, represents FoSB in their efforts to seek a judicial review, now approaching the permission stage to determine if the case will proceed further.
FoSB's representative stated: "We have engaged with the council throughout this process and made our concerns clear at every stage, including through formal legal correspondence. Unfortunately, those concerns have not been addressed, leaving us with no option but to bring this judicial review. We believe the decision is flawed and that the impacts of this development on the adjacent woodland and transport have not been properly considered."
Ricardo Gama said: "Our clients felt they had no choice but to file court proceedings because the council has failed to address their concerns over the impact which the stadium development would have on an ecologically important woodland and on local traffic. They look forward to putting their arguments to a judge."
A spokesperson for Oxford United said: “We are aware of reports that judicial review proceedings have been filed with the High Court. A rigorous and detailed planning process was followed by Cherwell District Council, and we look forward to supporting them defend their decision.”
A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council said: “The council is confident in its decision and in the event of any judicial review will robustly defend its position.”