Oxford United’s plans to build a new stadium have taken another hit after a judicial challenge was filed in the High Court.

Last year, the Championship strugglers received planning permission for their proposed 16,000-seater arena on Triangle land.

Grant Ferguson, the United chairman, has hailed the new stadium as a ‘once-in-a-generation chance’.

Oxford United CEO Tim Williams had previously warned that denying planning clearance could jeopardize the club’s survival.

That’s because their future at Kassam Stadium, where Oxford has played since 2001, is on the line.

Adrian Durham of talkSPORT listed the 12,500-capacity stadium, which has only three stands, as one of the worst in 1992.

Former Oxford United owner Firoz Kassam, for whom the present stadium is named, sold the team in 2006 but continues to control the stadium through his company, Firoka Group.

The football club has a tenancy arrangement with the real estate business that expires in 2028 with no option for renewal.

Oxford United new stadium update

The Cherwell District Council and the government accepted Oxford United’s intention to build a new stadium in October.

However, last week, the Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSB) filed a judicial review petition at the High Court.

Campaigners are concerned about the planned stadium’s influence on the local ecology and transportation, and they argue that Cherwell District Council acted illegally in accepting the plans.

Why has a legal challenge been initiated?

A representative for FoSB stated, “We have engaged with the council throughout this process and made our concerns apparent at every point, including through official legal communication.

“Unfortunately, those issues were not addressed, leaving us with little choice but to pursue this judicial review.

“We believe the decision is flawed and that the impacts of this development on the adjacent woodland and transport have not been properly considered.”

Oxford’s new stadium will include a hotel, restaurant, and gym on land known as the Triangle near Kidlington.

According to Ricardo Gama, a partner at Leigh Day, FoSB filed court proceedings due to the council’s failure to address their concerns about the stadium’s impact on an ecologically important woodland and local traffic.They are looking forward to presenting their case to a judge.

A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council added: “The council is confident in its decision and will vigorously defend it in the event of any judicial review.”

Oxford United, meanwhile, are already fighting to prevent relegation from the Championship.

Currently, only seven points separate teams ranked 19th to 23rd in the second division rankings.

Oxford United, in 22nd place, may leapfrog West Brom with a win at Derby, with the Baggies potentially facing a possible points deduction.