We are still waiting for the formal decision on Oxford United's planning application. The target date, which was 6 January 2026, has now been amended to 9 February 2026. Once the formal decision has been posted on the planning portal we have six weeks to file a legal challenge.
Natural England's position is still that Stratfield Brake woodland adjacent to the proposed stadium site could be ancient woodland. Natural England continues to review relevant information, including that provided by FoSB and may also undertake a site visit.
We remain deeply concerned that this woodland, which we believe is ancient woodland, is not sufficiently protected by the current stadium proposal. Cherwell District Council has admitted that the woodland would suffer direct and indirect impacts from the development stadium and, in FoSB's opinion, is not following Natural England's advice that the council should take a precautionary approach and ensure compliance with the NPPF paragraph 193 (c) which provides specific protection for ancient woodland due to its status as an irreplaceable habitat.