24-05-2024, 10:34 AM in response to #48211
THEGofMrProper Wrote: Not really, no, but I guess that's the perk of redevelopment over relocation, which has never get off the ground for us over the past 20+ years for various reasons including that sort of attitude. Supporter's Club has always been an issue (and in our darkest time, quite literally, a lifesaver) but the club are rebuilding it nearer the road, unlocking the NRE for redevelopment and the Habbin for access. Hopefully they rebuild the new one with a highly 70s interior and keep getting to host the odd Northern Soul night.
Transport is probably the biggest issue, but it seems we've been doing a lot to cosy up to the most relevant stakeholders (SC/Local community/Council/Uni/GPC etc) over the last few years, so we'll have to see what fresh hell awaits between planning going in and spades in the ground. Seems like the money is there, which in itself feels a bit mental if you'd said it a few years back.
Hope these bellends wind their necks in on your part, but how do you see the Stratfield Brake (?) site being for a matchday experience?
Should be good I reckon. City Centre 5-10 minutes by train, a few minutes longer by bus. There will be bars and food trucks outside (according to the plans) before the game as well as the permanent bar. The aim is to get supporters there earlier and stay longer after a game.
Safer standing in the home/away sections and designed to keep the noise in the stadium so should have a decent atmosphere.
Transport connections are fantastic. The site is accessible by Railway from all over the country (or will be with East/West Rail), followed by a 5 minute walk. Right next to the A34 with plenty of Park & Ride car parks nearby (shuttle buses will run from them to the stadium).
The remaining risk is the Greens and Lib Dems on Cherwell District Council who are the planning authority. The Greens are NIMBYS and part of the North Oxford set (look up the Cutteslowe Wall as that is their attitude)/FoSB members. They've basically lied, repeatedly contradicted themselves, claimed all football supporters are hooligans and will make Kidlington a no go zone, whilst being borderline xenophobic about our owners.
The Greens and Lib Dems are in alliance again which is the risk. The Lib Dems nationally are opposing Labour's policy on the green belt as well which could affect their approach as well.
The Planning Committee though is chaired by a Tory (I think) and they with Labour make up 50% of it. There is an additional proper independent as well. The Planning Committee have to follow a legal process so have to judge it on law but things could get delayed which is a major risk. That said on delaying things, Cherwell DC have just lost a case over delaying a planning application which has cost them something like £1.2m which may concentrate minds.
It could also get called in by the Secretary of State as a significant project on green belt land. But based on Labour's support of the Football Governance Bill that may actually help us. Also, Labour controlled Oxford City Council support it as well as the Labour candidate for the new constituency that it will sit in.