THE sports clubs that use Stratfield Brake are eagerly awaiting more details on Oxford United’s plans for the site.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today voted to allow the U’s to enter detailed discussions over leasing the land, south of Kidlington, with a view to building a new stadium.

The council will not enter formal negotiations until United have provided more information on their proposal, following various concerns raised during a four-week public consultation.

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The sports ground is currently hired out to several grassroots teams, including Kidlington Cricket Club, Gosford All Blacks RFC and Kidlington Youth FC.

United have committed to replacing facilities with those of at least a comparable standard should they relocate and all three clubs have all expressed support for the proposal in principle.

Gosford All Blacks chair David Hipkiss was one of several speakers at today’s meeting.

He outlined the club’s ‘support in principle’, which he said was ‘based on the core assumption that the current facilities would be replaced and enhanced’.

Hipkiss added that the scale of housing development in the area means the club expects the number of players across youth and senior teams to double by 2030 - an increase the current facilities would not be able to handle.

The All Blacks chief called the development a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, adding ‘the proposed relocation is an opportunity not to be missed’.

Speaking after the meeting, Hipkiss added: “We’re very pleased with the outcome. It’s a very good step forward but there’s still a long way to go.

“We’re delighted and we very much look forward to continuing our positive discussions with Oxford United and the local community.”

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Richard Hague, chair of Kidlington Youth’s vision committee, was pleased with the outcome of the cabinet meeting.

He said: “I think that broadly reflects our position. It sounds good, but we need to see the details of what’s going to be provided.

“We have a strong number of people within the club who are positive about the proposal.

“It seems to be gently proceeding, which is very reassuring.

“I’m not sure the local community fully understands what’s being proposed and there’s a lot of misinformation out there. When the details come out that will help clarify some of that.

“It’s going to help the local community, but people need to know how.”

Kidlington Cricket Club chair John Moss added: “We’ve made it quite clear we support the proposal as a club so we’re looking forward to the outcome of the council discussions.”