WE return, without apology, to the issue of the Castle Mill accommodation with details of how Oxford University was able to so quickly file an amended planning application after concerns were raised about the buildings’ height and impact on the skyline from Port Meadow.

We repeat that this is not about attacking the university. It is about the transparency and scrutiny of the planning process. It is fundamentally important, both for this development and for future decisions, for the public to understand fully the events surrounding Castle Mill.

The difference between Nick Worlledge’s report on the original proposal and its impact on the skyline and what the west area planning committee papers said is stark.

Of course everyone’s view on whether these buildings are a blight on the Port Meadow horizon or not will be completely subjective.

But it would have been at best naive of the council to think that there would not be a backlash, even belatedly, against the planning approval – especially in this city.

We believe that by not laying all opinions on the table in front of councillors and the public, the council opened itself up to criticism and, more importantly, challenges that will cost taxpayers money.