THE council which will decide the fate of Oxford United’s planning application for a new stadium has a new political set-up.

Cherwell District Council had previously been led by Conservative politician Barry Wood for 20 years, however a new administration has been formed following the local elections.

It was decided at the annual full council meeting yesterday that a Liberal Democrat and Green administration will run the local authority, with David Hingley as leader.

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The local elections on May 2 saw the Liberal Democrats emerge as the largest party, but without reaching an outright majority.

Jean Conway, a Liberal Democrat councillor representing the Kidlington West ward, has been appointed the portfolio holder for planning and development management.

The U’s are looking to build a new home at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, with the club’s licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium running out in 2026.

United want to build a 16,000-capacity stadium and complex, which is set to include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza.

It was announced earlier this month that a legally binding lease option between the U’s and Oxfordshire County Council, for land at The Triangle, has been signed, in addition to a community collaboration agreement.