Overview

• Natural England withdrew its support for classifying Stratfield Brake as ancient woodland on July 25 after reviewing new evidence that the site was not continuously wooded since 1600.
• Cherwell District Council postponed its planning committee meeting from July 31 to August 14 due to late-stage ecological assessments and submissions.
• Oxford United’s scheme at The Triangle site includes a 16,000-seat stadium alongside a 180-bed hotel, conference centre, restaurant and community plaza.
• MPs Anneliese Dodds and Calum Miller have warned that further delays could have a catastrophic impact on OUFC as its Kassam Stadium lease expires in June 2026.
• OUFC development director Jonathon Clarke emphasised the robustness of the club’s application and urged a timely decision to secure its future in the Championship and benefit the local community.