Oxford United Gains Approval for UK’s First All-Electric Football Stadium

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22 October 2025

Plans for Oxford United Football Club’s new 16,000 capacity home ground have been approved by the government.

The project has been granted planning permission by Cherwell District Council on 14 August, and the application was passed to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration. 

It is now confirmed that the Secretary of State decided not to intervene following local council endorsement, paving the way for the project's progression.

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The new stadium will be built on a 7.17-hectare site known as “The Triangle,” located between Stratfield Brake and Oxford Parkway Railway Station, Kidlington. It is set to become the first all-electric powered football ground in the UK, aiming for substantial CO2 emissions reductions through the use of solar panels and air source heat pumps.

The plans received commendation from former Paralympian Baroness Grey-Thompson for its extensive accessibility features. This includes spaces for 130 wheelchairs at the stadium, extended and raised wheelchair viewing platforms and an array of accessible concourses and food kiosks. 

There will also be wheelchair-friendly turnstiles at all entry gates, step-free access to all hospitality areas and a large number of accessible parking bays (80 on match days). Other provisions include a sensory room and Changing Places toilets.

Grant Ferguson, Chair of Oxford United, said: "The government review was conducted after Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee approved the plans on 14 August.

"The Secretary of State’s decision to not to call in the planning application for our 16,000-capacity stadium on land north of the city means the Club can now begin to deliver on its vision.

"On behalf of everyone at Oxford United, I would like to thank all of our supporters, along with the incredible project team who have been instrumental in getting us to this point."

The next stage of the project will involve a Section 106 Agreement that sets out financial contributions by the Club to infrastructure improvements.

Picture: a CGI showing the proposed exterior of the new stadium.Image Credit: Oxford United Football Club 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 22 October 2025

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