Campaigners vow to fight on after refusal of permission for judicial review of plans for new football stadium

Cherwell District Council had approved plans for a 16,000-capacity stadium and additional facilities at a site that sits between Kidlington and Oxford in a space known as ‘the Triangle’, adjacent to part of the Stratfield Brake area of woodland.

This was challenged by Friends of Stratford Brake on a number of grounds, including that the council misunderstood advice from Natural England on whether Stratfield Brake was ancient woodland.

Permission was refused on the papers in June this year. Last month Mr Justice Johnson also refused permission following an oral hearing, finding that none of the grounds were arguable.

In a statement Friends of Stratford Brake said: “Our lawyers have advised that we have grounds to appeal the judge’s decision to refuse permission for a judicial review of the planning approval for the proposed football stadium on the Triangle.

“We remain mindful of the fact that any legal challenge is an uphill battle. However, we believe the likely impact of the proposal on the local community, and the potential for damage to the Stratfield Brake woodland, which Natural England’s woodland specialists have agreed is probably ancient woodland, make this a battle worth continuing.”

The group said an appeal would be lodged with the Court of Appeal. 

Ben Fullbrook of Landmark Chambers, instructed by Leigh Day, acted for Friends of Stratfield Brake.

Also from Landmark Chambers, Charles Bishop, instructed by Pinsent Masons, acted for Oxford University Football Club. James Maurici KC acted for Oxford University Football Club at an earlier stage of the proceedings.