COUNCILLORS have agreed to a framework for talks with regards to Oxford United’s search for a new stadium.

The green light is the latest step forward for the club in its plans to move out of the Kassam Stadium.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet agreed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ this afternoon, in connection with building a stadium at ‘The Triangle’, south of Kidlington Roundabout.

Council documents reveal that a final decision on United’s plans for a new stadium at The Triangle could be due as early as July.

The papers also show that the likely case is that a final cabinet decision on The Triangle is due in September, while the latest a decision would be expected is at a cabinet meeting in November.

Earlier this year, the council’s cabinet allowed officers to begin talks on ‘outline legal and commercial terms’, with regards to 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.

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.