We are pleased to report that Cherwell District Council's Planning Policy Team sought an independent opinion from LUC on the contribution of the Green Belt in the Kidlington Gap to the Green Belt purposes. LUC’s view is that "...the site [i.e. the Triangle] makes a strong contribution to Green Belt purposes A and B and so should not be characterised as grey belt."
This clear outcome, confirming that the Triangle is Green Belt and not "grey belt" is helpful because it means that OUFC must evidence Very Special Circumstances for inappropriate development in the Green Belt, something that we believe the club has failed to do. There is still no evidence that the club has negotiated to remain at the Kassam Stadium long term, or that it has made a reasonable offer to purchase. Also, the club's claims that a new stadium would make it financially sustainable and ensure its survival are, based on its own figures, fantastical.