OXFORD United’s proposed move to Stratfield Brake has received significant backing ahead of a crucial meeting next week.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet is recommended to allow the club to enter negotiations over the land, south of Kidlington, with a view to building a new stadium and associated facilities.

It comes after the council conducted a four-week public consultation on the proposal, with 80 per cent of the 3,740 responses in favour and 18 per cent against.

This will be taken into account when the cabinet meets next Tuesday at 10am.

Of the 3,740 people who responded, 2,910 said they were United fans. Unsurprisingly, 93 per cent of those were in favour but six per cent were against the planned move.

Meanwhile, 818 ‘local residents’ shared their views and 58 per cent said the council should not enter into discussions, with 38 per cent supporting the move.

United highlighted the latter figure in a statement, adding they were ‘delighted’ with the recommendation for approval.

The statement read: “We strongly believe that our aspirations for the site can not only meet, but significantly exceed the priorities of Oxfordshire’s Fair Deal Alliance and this decision will form an important first step in securing the future of a much loved community asset, one that is anchored in the heart of Oxfordshire’s sporting and cultural legacy.

“We wish to thank our fans, local residents and stakeholders for participating in what was a far reaching and through consultation.

“Whilst support amongst the fanbase could be argued to be expected, it is worth noting that over a third of residents directly local to the proposed site who participated in the consultation also expressed their support.

“The club thanks all who responded to the consultation and looks forward to directly addressing points raised as we work through the next steps of the process, including as part of the eventual pre-application consultation process.

“As we have stated before, should cabinet choose to move forward with their officers recommendation, this is merely the first step in a long road, and we look forward to working in tandem with our fans, local residents and community stakeholders to bring forward our proposals in a manner which matches our aspirations for the club whilst also minimises any potential impact to local residents.”

Meanwhile, 783 respondents said they were not U’s supporters and 63 per cent of those were against the proposal, with 33 per cent in favour.

United want to lease almost 45 acres of council-owned land at Stratfield Brake for 250 years, with their licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium set to expire in 2026.

If cabinet gives its approval, the U’s would have to conclude negotiations before seeking planning permission from Cherwell District Council.

The club have earmarked the land for an 18,000-capacity stadium, community and sports grounds and hotel, retail and conference facilities.

Stratfield Brake is hired out to grassroots clubs including Gosford All Blacks RFC, Kidlington Cricket Club and Kidlington Youth FC.

Should their plans progress, the U’s have said they will aim to provide ‘new and improved’ facilities for those teams.

The cabinet was recommended to approve the proposal at its meeting on January 18, but councillors chose to defer a decision until the four-week consultation had taken place – although United were able to begin exploratory talks.

Calum Miller, the council’s cabinet member for finance, said the consultation had provided a ‘great deal of rich information'.

He added: “This is a very significant proposal.

“There are implications for the people of Oxfordshire in general and residents of Kidlington, Gosford and Water Eaton in particular, as well as for the environment, the wider economy and the future of the county’s only professional football club.

“Very careful consideration will be given at our cabinet to the results of the public engagement exercise. I am grateful to the very large number of people who took part.”