Oxford United have secured local planning approval for a planned 16,000-capacity stadium expected to cost over £150m to build.

The stadium is planned to be built on a green belt site at Kidlington to the north of the city

Development director Jonathon Clarke described the decision as “once-in-a-generation” and praised both the stadium project team and planning officers for their constructive work in shaping the plans.

Designed by AFL Architects, the new ground will feature a sweeping contemporary façade with glazed frontages, green landscaping and vertical panel detailing.

It will be the UK’s first all-electric major stadium, powered by renewable energy with air-source heat pumps, 3,500 sq m of roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and advanced heat recovery systems.

This will cut CO₂ emissions by an estimated 80% compared with conventional heating.

The site will also deliver a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference and exhibition centre, gym, health and wellbeing facilities and a community plaza.

Chairman Grant Ferguson said the approval was “a crucial step” towards safeguarding the club’s long-term future, adding that focus will now turn to the next phase of the project.

Stadium has been designed AFL Architects with engineering services from Mott MacDonald

Ridge and Partners led on the site selection process, sustainability strategy and transport modelling as well as providing project management and BREEAM advice.

Due to the strategic nature of the development, the detailed application now passes to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration.

If cleared, construction is expected to take up to 18 months.