8. The proposal by Oxford United to build a football stadium between Oxford and Kidlington is another issue that has generated local concern and division. What is your response to this particular proposal, and to building on the green belt in general?

Ian Middleton (Green Party):

“My position on this is fairly well known now. I am opposed to the development for many reasons, the principal one being that it is not supported by the local community. Local support would be the only potential excuse for building such a project on green belt and every poll and survey has shown that residents are opposed two to one. I also think the site is too small and restricted for the intended use and the likely traffic and parking chaos that would come from the proposed road closures would create an intolerable situation for local residents. This is on top of thousands of houses already planned for around the same site so the overall impact is likely to be severe. In general I feel that Green Belt should be protected, especially in areas like ours where so much of it is already being eroded. I wish OUFC well and would not like to see them collapse, but they should be looking at other sites that would be easier to deliver and more suitable for their expanding needs.”

Veronica Oakeshott (Labour Party):

“My understanding is that there is a biodiversity net gain plan for the site with specific commitments to protect trees to the south and establish wildflower grassland, plus native tree and hedgerows. Provided residents in Kidlington can move about freely on match days and adequate measures are in place to protect their parking, I support the stadium as a means of bring significant economic, health and leisure benefits to our village. Every piece of infrastructure has pros and cons and these are not always easy decisions.

Oxford United has signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and is committed to building the first stadium in the country powered solely by electricity. Renewable energy sources, including 3000m² of solar panels on the roof, would help achieve radical carbon emission reductions compared to their current set up.

Labour is committed to preserving the green belt. Under the Conservatives, greenbelt land is regularly released for development but haphazardly and often for speculative housebuilding. Labour will take a ‘brownfield first’ approach to any housebuilding. Without changing its purpose or general extent, Labour will take a more strategic approach to greenbelt land designation. The release of lower quality ‘grey belt’ land will be prioritised and we will introduce ‘golden rules’ to ensure development benefits communities and nature.

As a Kidlington resident I understand that Kidlington is and wants to remain a village, separate to Oxford.”

Calum Miller (Liberal Democrats):

“My support has always been subject to the club meeting certain conditions that protect the interests of local residents and of the club’s fans. The club’s current management has given a number of undertakings as part of its consultations with fans and residents, for example around traffic and parking. These were the basis for the reasonable conditions in the letter that was sent by OCC to the club, following the Cabinet decision, in October 2023.

The new stadium needs to be the right stadium based on the right relationship between Oxford United and its new neighbours in Kidlington and North Oxford. The club should not cut corners on the elements of the scheme that matter most to local residents. Concerns remain about the traffic management of the site, which is why OCC has asked for more detail before it can support the proposal. As soon as the club sets out how it will fulfil all its undertakings, I believe we can progress with a stadium that everyone can be proud of.”

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