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Oxford United’s plan for a new 16,000 capacity stadium has been delayed following claims the club ‘failed to address key planning issues’.
The Championship side proposed a 180 bedroom hotel, restaurant and gym to surround ‘The Triangle’ stadium.
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But Cherwell District Council halted plans after a request to ‘consider additional information’.
Oxford initially expected the planning application to be heard in early 2025.
In a club statement Oxford’s development director, Jonathan Clarke attempted to dispel fans’ fear.
“I’d like to reassure our supporters that planning extensions such as this are common practice with significant developments which require extensive studies and careful examination,” he said.
“We continue to have positive meetings with key stakeholders and fully appreciate the need to ensure everything is in place for a favourable decision to be made.”
He continued: “This incredible, once in a lifetime project will secure the long-term future of the Club and deliver multiple benefits to local communities.
“The fact the application has received more than 2,400 comments in our favour is testament to the overwhelming support for this project.”
The earliest date that the proposal can be considered was pushed back to June 5.
A date to mark for Oxfordshire citizens as a new stadium will lead to a creation of jobs, boost in tourism and improved transport links, according to the club.
Suzanne Mclvor from the environmental community group Friends of Stratfield Brake said: “OUFC is putting an extraordinarily positive spin on a planning application that was poorly prepared and which, from the outset, failed to address key planning issues.
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“The club must accept responsibility for the delay which is due to its failure to provide timely and sufficient information to Cherwell District Council.”
Oxford are also in advanced discussions for short-term provisions after the lease at Kassam Stadium ends in 2026.
A move away from the Kassam has long been in the making after being served a winding-up petition from their landlords in 2019 for missing a rent payment.
It was even voted one of the worst grounds in English football by talkSPORT's own Adrian Durham.
He told talkSPORT: "It's three sides! No atmosphere, three-sided ground. They're leaving it soon anyway, so…
"Truly one of the worst grounds in the 92."
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They are enduring a tough ride in the Championship this season - their first return to the league since 1999.
Gary Rowett’s side are winless in six matches after a 3-2 win against Luton Town in January.
They sit 18th on 38 points, eight points away from the relegation zone.
And their next two fixtures are against Coventry City and Norwich City, 7th and 10th place respectively.
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