Sir – It was comforting that English Heritage should raise itself from its emasculated sickbed to object to the Magnet ‘science discovery centre’ in New Road.
The Foster Bunker should have no place in such a sensitive site bordering the castle.
A question which should have been raised is why Science Oxford should develop such a site. Central Oxford had just experienced yet another year of record congestion which can only be made worse by an extra 150,000 visitors descending on to the site with their attendant coaches and cars.
Why cannot a less sensitive site be developed for the centre, for example on the fringes of the city or, if a more central site is deemed a requirement, in the West End redevelopment?
English Heritage mention the Register Office in their objection. Its listing was recommended by English Heritage but refused by Maria Miller, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, for reasons which suggest some political interference.
It has been pointed out in the national press she may have exceeded her powers in refusing the listing. This should have been a case for judicial review.
Paul Hornby, Oxford
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