Concerns have been raised the new Lib Dem-Green authority responsible for an area where a new football stadium has been planned may contribute to "blocking" its "progress".

Oxford United hopes to build a 16,000-capacity stadium at a site called The Triangle in Kidlington, allowing it to leave its current home at the Kassam Stadium, the lease on which expires in 2026.

Cherwell District Council which operates in north Oxfordshire has announced its administration following an annual meeting on Wednesday, May 22.

The results of the meeting revealed the Liberal Democrats and Green would run the authority after Labour rejected an offer of partnership.

Oxford Mail: Proposed new stadium CGI.Proposed new stadium CGI. (Image: Oxford United)

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This comes as the Tories lost nine seats in local elections and Lib Dems gained seven, making it the largest party.

Former Conservative leader of the council Barry Wood has taken a step back with new leader Eddie Reeves saying his ultimate goal is to win back control.

Mr Reeves said: "Residents should be concerned about this new administration.

"Liberal Democrat and Green Councillors obsess endlessly about the political bandwagons and modish causes when they should focused on the day-to-day, bread-and-butter hard graft of running local public services.

"I am especially worried about them blocking progress on Oxford United.

"We know their Cabinet members in County Hall oppose the club's plans, ostensibly on highways grounds.

Oxford Mail: Eddie Reeves.Eddie Reeves. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

"Now that they are running Cherwell District Council, which is the local planning authority, they could place further hurdles in the club directors' way as they seek to build on the team's stunning success this season.

"All told, Conservative Councillors need to focus on the local issues that matter most to residents.

"That is what we will be doing and, where possible, making sure that this new Lib Dem-Green administration does the same."

Liberal Democrats and Green councillors on the county council including Ian Middleton, who now has a cabinet position in the district, have previously objected to aspects of Oxford United stadium plans though not all councillors in the parties have spoken out against them and some have issued vocal support for the club.

Oxford Mail: Ian Middleton.Ian Middleton. (Image: Ed Nix.)

Mr Middleton previously said he was concerned about the building on green land and said in relation to continued development in Kidlington that "these things have happened in increments - you turn around and the next thing you've got a football stadium and 2,000 houses".

New Liberal Democrat council leader David Hingley said: “It is an honour to serve as the new leader, the first in 20 years, and to represent Cherwell, my home.

“My guiding principle as leader is to run an administration in the spirit of cooperation with others. That’s why I am pleased that our Liberal Democrat-led administration has invited Green and Independent Alliance colleagues onto the executive.

Oxford Mail: David Hingley.David Hingley. (Image: Newsquest)

“This collaborative effort, focused on Cherwell residents, is a testament to our commitment to putting their needs first. As we face significant challenges, I am confident in our ability to deliver for the entire district, from north to south, and west to east.”

Cherwell Labour leader Sean Woodcock has said he will "continue to promote" Labour's priorities as the "second largest party and as the official opposition, a role which carries huge importance with the council having no one party in overall control".