Dear Friends
As you may have read in the local press https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24150634.oxford-united-stadium-plans-lack-bridge-causes-concerns/ (paywall) Oxford United has recently submitted a planning application for the stadium. The application will be available to view on Cherwell’s planning portal once it has been validated by officers. Based on previous experience of the club’s output it’s possible the application may fall short of the council’s requirements. So we await developments with interest.
It is notable that Oxford United has confirmed it is undertaking a separate planning application process to build a bridge over the road from the station. However, for a number of reasons, we don’t believe that this footbridge will ever be built. This means that Oxford United’s previously proposed road closures are still a key concern. We were therefore pleased that our most recent Freedom of Information request yielded an email from Cllr David Robey, Chair of Kidlington Parish Council, to the leader of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), Cllr Liz Leffman. Cllr Robey writes on behalf of the four parishes of Kidlington, Gosford & Water Eaton, Begbroke & Yarnton: “the four parishes are gravely concerned by Oxford United’s current plans to close the A4260 before and after matches at the new stadium”.
Click link to download the email.
Cllr Robey quoted OCC’s position as follows: “The County Council cabinet has required OUFC, before the lease of the Triangle site is finally agreed, to produce detailed plans that include the following:
e) Develop new pedestrian and cycle entrances and routes to improve accessibility, including a new pedestrian route across the Oxford Road, such as a footbridge, that improves pedestrian and cyclist access to the site from Oxford Parkway railway station and the Park & Ride without disrupting vehicle movements on the Oxford Road.”
Cllr Liz Leffman’s response was: “I understand your concerns, which I share. I can assure you that OCC's position is that stated by Cllr Dan Levy in his recent letter . We stand by our original decision, and we will not support any proposal that includes the closure of the road on match days.
It would seem impossible therefore for OCC to support this planning application in its current form.
We will keep you updated.
Best wishes
Friends of Stratfield Brake