Oxford United’s supporters’ trust declared their long-term aim of reuniting the Kassam Stadium with the football club was one step closer after becoming the first to list a ground as an asset of community value.

It means OxVox must be informed if the Kassam Stadium is put up for sale, or a bid is received, by owners Firoka.

They would then have six weeks to decide whether to lodge a competing offer and a further four and a half months to raise the money.

The application under the Localism Act (2011), which was approved by Oxford City Council, sets a precedent and is expected to be followed by a host of others shortly.

In the last month bids from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust and Spirit of Shankly have been submitted to protect Old Trafford and Anfield respectively.

Mark Sennett, OxVox’s chairman, hailed the decision and saw it as a first step towards the long-term goal of bringing the stadium back under the ownership of either the U’s or their fans.

“This bid was done so Oxford United fans couldn’t wake up and find the stadium had been sold to somebody else,” he said.

“The aim is that when this stadium is sold, it goes to either Oxford United or its fans.

“The next stage for us is to move on with what we’ve already been trying to do – trying to find the resources to fulfil our ambition of reuniting the football club with the stadium.”

OxVox, who have about 500 members, stated they would oppose any bid for the 12,500-seater stadium which did not have U’s involvement, although a joint bid with another club would be considered.

But Sennett was keen to stress this move was not intended to provoke the existing owners.

He said: “The message we want to send to Firoz Kassam is we want to work with you.

“This isn’t a threat to Firoka.”

Supporters Direct, the governing body for fan trusts, welcomed the move.

Tom Hall, the body’s head of policy and development, felt it was a big step and pointed out even if OxVox could not come up with a competing offer, the time would allow the external bidder to be thoroughly scrutinised.

Hall said: “At the very least this gives them six months to shine a light on who they might be selling the stadium to and, therefore, make sure whoever it is going to has the best interests of the club at heart.”

Oxford United were unavailable to comment.