A CRUCIAL four weeks for Oxford United’s stadium dream begins today as the club’s proposal for Stratfield Brake comes under the microscope.

Oxfordshire County Council’s public consultation on the U’s plans to lease the site, near Kidlington, goes live at 5pm at letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk and will run until February 21.

It will enable residents and businesses to have their say, before the council’s cabinet decides whether to let United enter into negotiations over the land at its meeting on March 15.

Read also: Oxford United release statement after Stratfield Brake decision

The U’s are keen to engage with the community and managing director Niall McWilliams says it is important to hear from everyone.

He said: “It’s the same message from us: We always want to be open and transparent, we want to communicate, and this is giving us an opportunity to do so.

“It’s not for me to direct our fans, or anyone.

“They’ve got to make up their own minds on the proposal.”

United have asked the council to transfer almost 45 acres of land at Stratfield Brake for a 250-year lease, with a view to building an 18,000-capacity stadium, community and sports grounds and hotel, retail and conference facilities.

Read also: Council defers decision on Stratfield Brake

The cabinet was recommended to approve the proposal at its meeting last Tuesday, but decided to defer to allow more information to be gathered.

Several speakers shared their views, with Ian Middleton, county councillor for Kidlington South, saying the U’s ‘must take into account the impact on the communities they represent’.

The cabinet instructed officers to progress exploratory talks with United and its existing tenants and sub-tenants at Stratfield Brake, which is hired out to several community sports teams.

This has the club’s tight timeline in mind, with their 25-year lease at the Kassam Stadium expiring in 2026.

Independent supporters’ trust OxVox has released a guide to campaigning, featuring the key points to include in a letter to councillors.

Read also: OxVox chief issues call ahead of stadium consultation

And McWilliams echoed the organisation’s reminder for fans to be polite and positive when they state their case.

He added: “It’s been respectful and thoughtful and it’s got to continue that way.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and we’ll listen to them all, as the county council officers will do too.

“The communication will be carried out with integrity.”