Stadium proposal questioned over ancient woodland

Plans for Oxford United's new stadium have been questioned by campaigners opposed to the proposals after a nearby woodland was designated as ancient.

A decision on the U's plans to construct a new purpose-built 16,000 seater ground on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington, is expected to be made by Cherwell District Council on 31 July.

But the Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSB) campaign group said that now "seems inconceivable" following Natural England's designation of ancient woodland near to the site.

A spokesperson for Oxford United said its proposals "remain unaffected" by the designation.

The club said the plans would "not cause any detrimental impact to the woodland".

"Our detailed, independently commissioned studies demonstrate the area is not ancient woodland and this evidence has been submitted," it added.

Natural England said its woodland specialists had "found that there has been sufficient evidence submitted to support this site as ancient woodland".

It added that it would be willing to "consider further substantively different evidence" in this particular case.

FoSB said government guidance suggested that planning permission "should be refused if it would result in the loss or deterioration of ancient woodland unless there are 'wholly exceptional reasons'".

In addition, the group suggested that proposals "must have a buffer zone of at least 15 metres from the boundary of the woodland to avoid root damage".

Victoria Campbell, from Kidlington, said the proposal was "likely to need a buffer zone" in excess of 15m (49ft) given the "very heavy football and significant lighting impacts that a stadium, hotel and commercial development would unavoidably entail".

Ms Campbell added: "This is yet more compelling evidence that the Triangle is simply the wrong site and too small for OUFC's proposals and the club should consider other options."

Cherwell District Council declined a BBC request for comment.

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