OXFORDSHIRE’S MPs have expressed broad support for Oxford United as the club seeks a new stadium.

The U’s are looking to build a new home at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, with the club’s licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium running out in 2026.

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.

Last month, it was announced that the application would not be considered until early next year due to further information on matters such as transport and ecology being requested.

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Meanwhile, the UK general election earlier this month saw Oxfordshire welcome seven MPs, including five fresh faces.

Anneliese Dodds kept her Oxford East seat, and told this newspaper: “I know lots of people in Oxford East share my determination that Oxford United needs a secure future.

“The U’s deserve a new permanent stadium and I’ve been clear in my support for this and the club’s plans for The Triangle site. Annoyingly, this process has been repeatedly frustrated by Lib Dems and Greens on local councils.

“We need to back Oxford United. I will continue to champion our team and press the urgent need for a new home, for both the men’s and women’s teams.”

Banbury’s new Labour MP Sean Woodcock added: “The possibility of having a stadium within walking distance of a bus station with directs links to the city centre, as well as the train station at Oxford Parkway, is very exciting and should be a massive tick in terms of sustainability.

“There will clearly be a need to manage increasing footfall in the local area with potential for increased litter and other issues that inevitably come from having crowds of people in one place.

“These are all problems that can be appropriately mitigated though and are not reasons to block the stadium.”

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Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller won the newly-formed Bicester and Woodstock constituency, and said in a joint statement with fellow party MP Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon): “Oxford United is at the heart of our communities and we want the club to succeed.

“Over recent months we have been listening to and meeting with councillors, residents, and fans on the proposals for a new stadium. 

“Residents in the immediate areas near the proposed site are understandably concerned about the environmental impact of the stadium and the effect on traffic congestion and parking.

“We are very worried by the prospect of closures on Oxford Road at the beginning and end of matches, which will not just affect nearby roads but potentially the already congested A34.

“It is now for the club to submit a revised planning application to Cherwell District Council that addresses these concerns.”

New Liberal Democrat MPs Olly Glover (Didcot and Wantage), Charlie Maynard (Witney) and Freddie van Mierlo (Henley and Thame) said in a statement: “We know that the future of Oxford United’s stadium is of concern to many of the club’s supporters across Oxfordshire.

“All Lib Dem MPs in Oxfordshire are working together to ensure that the needs of Oxford United and the interests of residents are reflected in work on the proposal for a new stadium.”