OXFORD United’s proposed move to Stratfield Brake has got fans excited.

Read also: Leaked letter reveals Oxford United's preferred site for new stadium

But it is important to acknowledge that there are plenty of hurdles to overcome before the U’s can even think about leaving the Kassam Stadium.

More details are expected to be announced later today, but here is a quick Q&A about United’s potential relocation to Kidlington.

Why are Oxford United looking to move?

Put simply, to secure the club’s long-term future. United signed a 25-year lease when they moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001 and that agreement ends in 2026. The club pay a substantial rent to stadium landlord Firoka, owned by former chairman Firoz Kassam, and are unable to generate much revenue from the ground.

Where is Stratfield Brake and why is that the preferred site?

Stratfield Brake borders the southern edge of Kidlington and can be accessed off Frieze Way (the A4260), near the Pear Tree A34 interchange.

Herald Series:

Stratfield Brake Sports Ground Picture: Google Maps

Significantly, it is a short walk from Oxford Parkway rail station and Park & Ride and this is a key reason why it is the preferred site. The club are keen for the stadium to be environmentally sustainable and it is hoped the accessible location will increase the number of fans attending games via public transport. The Kassam Stadium, on the other hand, is more than four miles from the nearest train station.

United have looked at several potential sites over the years, with managing director Niall McWilliams revealing in September 2018 that they had narrowed it down to five. Stratfield Brake is understood to be four years in the making, so was clearly one of those options.

What is United’s proposal for Stratfield Brake?

The club have submitted a proposal for Oxfordshire County Council, which owns the site, to lease the land for a minimum 250 years. The site is owned by the county council.

If that is approved at next Tuesday's cabinet meeting, then United can enter into negotiations to secure the land.

Following that, the club can begin to seek planning permission from Cherwell District Council by way of a planning application. Cherwell is the planning authority, since the stadium is outside Oxford city boundaries.

Initial plans are for an 18,000-capacity ground, community sports grounds and hotel, retail and conference facilities. It is important to note, though, that we are a long way off that.

Who currently uses Stratfield Brake?

Parts of the site are leased to Cherwell District Council and then sub-leased to local parish councils. It is already used for sport and is hired out to several community sports clubs, including Gosford All Blacks rugby club and Kidlington Cricket Club.

Read also: Sports clubs speak out on Oxford United stadium proposal

Gosford All Blacks chair David Hipkiss said: “Should their plans come to fruition, this may represent an excellent opportunity for all community sport in the locality including Gosford All Blacks RFC.”

Kidlington chair John Moss said the matter will be discussed at a committee meeting this evening.

What infrastructure and facilities are planned alongside the stadium?

As mentioned above, United’s plans do not just involved the stadium – they also want to create a site that benefits the community. The club say they are committed to ensuring clubs who currently use Stratfield Brake get new and improved facilities and continue to play locally. Hotel, retail and conference facilities are also part of initial plans.

We will likely learn more about the plans for facilities, as well as the infrastructure around Stratfield Brake and the cost of the project, if these proposals are approved by cabinet and get to the planning stage.

Read also: OxVox chair shares views on Stratfield Brake proposal

When could Oxford United be playing in a new stadium?

We all want to know the answer to this question, but it is far too early to say. If the proposals get through cabinet next week, United can then seek planning permission and that can be a drawn-out process. Even when that is approved, there is still the small matter of building the site. All we know is that time is of the essence, with the club in the final five years of their lease at the Kassam Stadium.