Oxfordshire's most controversial planning applications 2023

Residents have been up in arms over issues ranging from a football stadium, large public park, and apparent ‘abuse’ over plans to expand one particularly well-known farm.

1. Oxford United plans for new stadium at ‘The Triangle’

With the Oxford United football club due to have its lease expire in 2026, plans are currently underway for relocation to a new site – ‘The Triangle’.

The 4.9 hectare greenbelt site lies just south of the Kidlington Roundabout.

Planning permission is still required from Cherwell District Council but the council agreed to lease the land to the stadium in September.

What the proposed stadium at 'The Triangle' could look like. (Image: Oxford United)

Oxford woman Suzanne McIvor claimed of the triangle that “this opening space will become ever more valuable as over 2,000 dwellings will soon be built in the immediate vicinity”.

But a council report indicated the majority of its survey respondents had positive views on the proposition.

2.  Jeremy Clarkson wanting to expand his farm

The long-running plans of former BBC Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson to expand his farm seem to have proved a source of controversy.

West Oxfordshire District Council had previously rejected Mr Clarkson’s plans to open a restaurant and extend the car park at his Chadlington farm.

Some residents raised concerns about increased traffic to the area with one villager, Hillary Moore, describing the farm as a “total menace” and a “danger”.

Jeremy Clarkson at his farm Others spoke of benefits the farm had brought to the community.

But following an appeal, permission was granted for a car park extension for a period of three years.

3. Hundreds of homes earmarked for north Oxford on greenbelt land and golf course

There was renewed focus this year on Cherwell District Council’s proposals to build 4,400 homes by 2031 including some on the North Oxford Golf Club.

The golf club’s manager, Philip Morley, said: “Members are devastated at the thought of having to leave.”

Oxford North Golf Club.

Under Cherwell’s Local Plan, 1,200 homes are designated for the course to help meet housing need.

4. Proposal for new public park in Bicester receives 126 objection letters

A total of 126 objection letters and 3,502 petition signatures were the result of a planning application from the owners of Bicester Village.

Those in charge seek to redevelop land north and south of Pingle Drive in Bicester, providing a new public park, a car and cycle hub and additional guest services, among other facilities.

Artist's impression of St Edburg's Park, Bicester (Image: Value Retail)

Developers are hoping the park will take up around 2.7 hectares of the proposed development site to the north of the village, with the rest of the space being used for the 1,000-space car park and bicycle hub.

The development would replace 2,200 off-site car parking spaces.