MP urges residents to comment on stadium plans

An MP has urged her constituents to take part in a public consultation on Oxford United's proposed move to a new purpose built stadium.

Anneliese Dodds, who represents Oxford East, said she would "urge all local representatives at all levels to get behind the Yellows and support the club's proposals".

She has previously spoken of her support for the club's plans for a new 16,000-capacity stadium on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington.

The proposals are currently being considered by Cherwell District Council, with a public consultation into the plans due to end on Friday.

More than 3,800 people and organisations have so far submitted their views on the scheme, which would include a hotel, restaurant and gym.

Urging residents to take part in the consultation, Dodds said she "wholeheartedly" supported the plans as the club's current stadium, the Kassam, was "not up to standard".

"It lacks a fourth stand, the club is being charged unviable rent, and there are many other problems," the former cabinet minister said.

"The loss of a stadium would be a huge hit to our football club – I will keep fighting for the new stadium to be built."

Earlier this month, the U's reached an agreement with the stadium's owner, Fikora Group, to stay at the Kassam for a maximum of two further years.

Both parties said no further extensions or new lease agreements would be possible following the agreement.

Under its plans for the new stadium, the club predicts 1,000 new jobs will be created and £32m a year added to the local economy.

The development would also become the UK's first all-electric stadium, the club say.

A decision on the plans is expected to be made by Cherwell District Council by the end of July.

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