Plans for Oxford United’s new stadium go before councillors on Thursday (August 14) with a recommendation for approval – but the scheme will still need rubber stamping by Government.

A special meeting of Cherwell District Council’s planning committee will consider the club’s proposal to build the 16,000-capacity stadium with hotel and flexible commercial and community facilities at the 7.17-hectare site at Kidlington, known as The Triangle.

But in its evaluation of the Green Belt site, officers have concluded that it cannot be considered Grey Belt and must therefore meet the ‘very special circumstances’ (VSC) required for building in the Green Belt. The scheme falls under the description of ‘inappropriate development’.

A report to Thursday’s meeting states: “The site contributes strongly to Green Belt purposes, particularly preventing urban sprawl and the merging of Oxford and Kidlington.

“The development would significantly weaken the Kidlington Gap, undermining the openness and strategic function of the Green Belt.”

However the report says the club’s case for VSC is ‘comprehensive and compelling, addressing the urgent need for relocation, lack of alternatives, and wide-ranging public benefits’.

It goes on: “After very careful consideration, officers have concluded that very special circumstances to justify this proposed development have been demonstrated, on the basis that the harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and the other harm from the proposal, is clearly outweighed by the other considerations.”

Even if councillors approve the plan, the Secretary of State will get the final say since the scheme is a departure from the Development Plan.

Jonathon Clarke, development director for Oxford United, said: “This is a significant and positive step towards our goal of building a world-class venue that safeguards the Club’s future.

“We now have confirmation of when the planning committee will meet and look forward to them hopefully endorsing the positive recommendation made by their professional officers.”

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