Thames Water say network couldn't cope with new Oxford United stadium
Thames Water say existing water networks would need to be upgraded if Oxford United's stadium plans get the green light
Thames Water say that water and sewage systems need to be upgraded should plans for the Oxford United stadium go ahead, as the existing network would be unable to cope.
Oxford United Football Club (OUFC) want to build a new stadium at The Triangle near Kidlington, which would seat 16,000 fans.
The water company said the existing foul water network did not have sufficient capacity to support the development, in a submission to the planning portal.
It also asked for a condition to be added to the plans, meaning the development cannot be occupied until all necessary upgrades have been completed.
Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United said: “Thames Water has asked for a condition to be added, which will be met during development.”
Councillor Ian Middleton, who represents Kidlington East on the county and district council, raised concerns about how this could affect housebuilding in the district.
He said: “Admissions of capacity shortages by Thames Water are nothing new, but any additional demands being placed on them by further developments in the area, beyond those envisaged in the local plan, are likely to have a significant knock-on effect on the delivery of already allocated housing sites nearby.
“Housing sites that are included in the plan could potentially be compromised should there be any further demands placed on what Thames Water have admitted is already a very limited capacity.
“Any additional delay in developing housing sites could have serious implications for Cherwell’s land supply.
“Projects like a huge football stadium including a large hotel will have substantial service infrastructure requirements.
“If surrounding developments were to be delayed as a result of a lack of capacity, this could have serious consequences for the council’s ability to resist future speculative development across the district.”
A decision on whether it will go ahead is set to be made by Cherwell District Council in August 14, after it was delayed.
A spokesperson for Thames Water said: “It is important to remember that we’re not statutory consultees for individual planning applications but when consulted will assess the potential impact that new developments could have on water and/or wastewater.
“We look at each development case by case and where needed will request that conditions are added to planning applications, so for example new homes are not occupied until the necessary upgrades to our water infrastructure have taken place.”
They were unable to comment on this specific application.
As part of the stadium plans, the club applied for new water main connections to Thames Water for potable water, as well as hydrant connection, to serve the development.
In their utilities statement, they said: “The design of the water connections has been undertaken in conjunction with the water utility company to avoid undue stress on the delivery of these services to the wider community.”
Cherwell District Council declined to comment.