A FINAL decision on Oxford United’s plans for a new stadium at ‘The Triangle’ could be due as early as July.

Oxfordshire County Council documents reveal that the likely case is that a final cabinet decision on The Triangle is due in September, with the optimistic case being July.

The latest a decision would be expected is at a cabinet meeting in November.

United are braced to take another step forward in their stadium search next week when a framework for talks is set to be agreed.

Negotiations between the club and the county council regarding The Triangle are already underway.

In January, the council’s cabinet allowed officers to begin talks on ‘outline legal and commercial terms’, with regards to The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout.

READ AGAIN: Council agrees to begin talks with Oxford United on The Triangle

The legal agreement between the U’s and the council must meet a series of objectives, which include maintaining a green barrier between Oxford and Kidlington, enhancing facilities for local sports groups, and improving public transport in the area.

A ‘memorandum of understanding’ is set to be agreed at a cabinet meeting on March 21.

Calum Miller, the council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “This is a significant decision for fans of Oxford United, local people in this area and residents across the county so the decision and the process leading up to it needs to be as open and transparent as possible.

“We also know that it is an urgent project for the club, who have outlined their need to find an alternative home before 2026. We are committed to responding promptly to them and to taking decisions in a timely way. That’s why officers were in touch with the club the day after the January cabinet meeting and regular discussions have been taking place ever since.

“At our cabinet meeting on March 21, we will be asked to approve a timetable for the next stages and a memorandum of understanding with the club on the process in the coming months.

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“The first step is for the club to provide further detailed proposals. We know they are working to deliver these.

“We are building into the proposed timetable a period of public and stakeholder engagement that will commence as soon as the club’s proposals have been received.

“We want everyone to be able to share their views with us before we take a final decision. The club’s need to find a new home is well understood, but any decision we take has to be guided by the overarching aim of whether it brings benefit to our community in Oxfordshire.”

United’s hunt for a new home is taking on more significance as the licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium is set to run out in 2026, after which point the club could find itself homeless.

Planning permission for a new stadium would be required from Cherwell District Council, as the local planning authority.