I AM writing in connection with the university development on the edge of Port Meadow, in Roger Dudman Way.
Oxford University is responsible for some of the most beautiful and the most hideous buildings in the city.
Students need accommodation, I agree. So do residents.
We all, though, have a stake in the way Oxford develops and have responsibility to protect its history.
I am horrified by this development that has destroyed the views from Port Meadow, a Scheduled National Monument.
There was no effective consultation or debate and no environmental impact assessment.
The requirement of the developers of the old Lucy’s site was to build no higher than the tree line.
These new buildings are very evidently taller. Does this mean there is a two-tiered planning process in place?
What happened to allow the university’s buildings to be so dense, so high and so invasive?
The consultation process prior to the redevelopment of Cowley Road was impressive.
Debate and dialogue strengthens engagement and enhances decision making.
Why have so few people had the chance to help the university resolve the challenge of building more accommodation in a way that does not damage the beauty of the city’s heritage or its fragile ecosystem?
Was there minimal consultation because the planners and university knew the development would be so controversial?
The development is too high.
Decision makers need to review their decision now and have the last two storeys taken down.
RHIAN JONES Kingston Road Oxford
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