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MP urges speedy government decision on new Oxford United stadium.txt
MP urges speedy government decision on merry christmas slotnew stadium1 day agoShareSaveGalya DimitrovaBBC News, OxfordShareSaveOUFCOxford United revealed images of the proposed complex last OctoberAn MP has called for government support for Oxford United's new stadium.In a letter to the new Secretary of State for Housing, Community and Local Government Steve Reed, Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds outlined several reasons he should support the planning application.Among them is that the lease at its current home, the Kassam Stadium, expires next year and the owner wants to redevelop the land.Cherwell District Council's planning committee approved plans for a 16,000-capacity venue on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington, last month. 0:40Anneliese Dodds showed her support for the new venue while the plans were still under considerationThe planning application has been referred to the Secretary of State as it goes against the district council's development plan and is on the green belt.In her letter, which is co-signed by Banbury MP Sean Woodcock, Dodds said it was "critical that OUFC gets through the next stage of its journey" and that it "cannot afford further delays". "Even aside from this impending deadline, the current stadium is used by the club on a restricted lease basis, by the number of games," Dodds writes, adding that the women's team has to play elsewhere despite its success. She goes on to say that issues relating to the current stadium "would have been ameliorated had the government's Football Act been in place", which gives the independent football regulator powers to perform stronger tests to stop rogue owners.The complex is expected to include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and community plaza.Dodds called the club "a critical source of pride for Oxford and Oxfordshire as well as contributing massively to our local economy". "If the plans are not approved speedily by the Secretary of State, all of this is at risk, given the impending danger of the end of the current lease (never mind its unsuitability)," she adds.The BBC understands the club has been told to expect a decision by 16 September.The government has been contacted for a comment.You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram. More on this storyPlans for new football stadium approvedStadium approval 'great result', MPs and fans sayNew stadium site 'not near ancient woodland'Reading MPs discuss independent football regulatorPlanning process delays football stadium decision Related internet linksOxford UnitedSteve ReedOxfordAnneliese Dodds
