OXFORD United have confirmed that a ‘confidential pre-application request’ has been submitted with regard to a potential footbridge at the site of the club’s proposed new stadium.

The U’s see their licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium run out in 2026, and the club is looking to build a new home at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout.

A full planning application for a 16,000-capacity ground was submitted to Cherwell District Council at the end of February, while in May, a legally binding lease option with Oxfordshire County Council was signed.

It was announced in June that the application would not be considered until early next year due to further information on matters such as transport and ecology being requested.

Now, United have submitted the confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council.

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The U’s said in a statement: “The document explores the potential of a footbridge over Oxford Road linking Oxford Parkway and the new stadium and at its suitability for, and impact on, the site and surrounding environment. 

“It will be considered by Cherwell District Council planning officers, with formal feedback provided to the club in due course.

“In December, the club will be submitting additional information in relation to the current planning application following requests by Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and key consultees.

“This will cover matters including transport and ecology which have been the subject of additional surveys conducted over the past six months to provide further clarity on the application to enable it to proceed to decision. 

“Transport modelling has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions on Oxford Road unaffected. Private vehicles will be diverted along Frieze Way for a short, limited period before and after games.

“A footpath and cycleway along Frieze Way between the site and Pear Tree Park and Ride are now being proposed to provide additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options to and from the site.

“Also, as part of the sustainable transport options, the club will increase the provision for on-site cycle parking from 150 to 446 spaces.”

United development director Jonathan Clarke told the club website: “Requests for additional information are common with large-scale developments.

“This is another really positive step forward in the process. We remain fully focused on obtaining the necessary planning permission and preparing to build.”