Oxford United Stadium, Kidlington

DevComms supported Oxford United Football Club on its full planning application to develop a new, all-electric 16,000-capacity stadium on a Green Belt site to the north of Oxford. The project is of critical importance to the club's future, with Oxford United required to move out of their current stadium by 2028.

DevComms developed a two-pronged public affairs strategy, combining strategic political engagement with Government ministers and MPs alongside strategic and local political engagement with senior and local councillors and officers at County, District, City and Parish Council level across Oxfordshire. Activity has included a briefing presentation on the plans to the Football All-Party Parliamentary Group, meetings with key local MPs, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and the Oxford Growth Commission, and briefing meetings with Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet and Oxford City Council's leadership. DevComms also prepared and issued strategic written briefing materials to key stakeholders including MHCLG, HM Treasury and DCMS, and has provided ongoing strategic political advice to the club throughout the decision-making process.

Cherwell District Council's Planning Committee resolved to approve the application in August 2025, in a meeting watched live by more than 8,700 people, the council's most widely viewed public meeting to date. Following referral to the Secretary of State given the scale of the Green Belt development, the Government confirmed in October 2025 that it would not call in the application, allowing the approval to proceed. Oxford United signed the Section 106 Agreement in February 2026, securing full and final planning permission and unlocking over £5 million of investment into local infrastructure and community projects. DevComms' strategic political engagement continues as the club moves towards discharging pre-commencement conditions and beginning enabling works.