CONCERNS have been raised that felling trees near the Port Meadow student flats could worsen their impact on neighbouring people.

Network Rail wants to use the land, between Castle Mill Street and William Lucy Way, for its own operations.

But residents have said removing the trees will remove the only screening they have from the student flats, completed in 2013.

Jericho ward member for Oxford City Council Susanna Pressel said the authority was in negotiations with Network Rail to delay the felling.

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She said: “I have been contacted by several residents who are already upset about the impact of the huge block of student flats, which are directly opposite their homes.

“People living in William Lucy Way were never consulted about the scheme, despite the buildings being very large and visible.

“Since they were built, noise has increased from the railway because of track-widening work Network Rail is carrying out there.

“The trees have been really useful as a barrier between the flats and William Lucy Way, so removing them would be terrible for residents.”

Ms Pressel said the city council was pressing Network Rail to carry out a site visit with officers and residents.

But officers have told Ms Pressel that Network Rail is not obliged to take notice of the authority’s wishes, and can carry out work on land it controls without consulting the council.

Network Rail spokeswoman Victoria Bradley said: “Over the next few years we will be delivering a major rail enhancement programme that will provide additional capacity in the Oxford area.

“Such renewal work may require vegetation clearance in some areas, the extent of which is still being assessed.

“Once the details have been confirmed we will communicate these to local residents and explore opportunities for replanting.”

The dispute emerged as Save Port Meadow campaigners demanded “meaningful” findings from Oxford University’s long-awaited report on how it can lessen the effects of the flats.

There was an outcry after the Roger Dudman Way buildings for 312 students were given planning permission by the city council in 2012, with residents saying they spoiled views of Oxford’s skyline.

It culminated in a High Court battle, launched by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, calling for a judicial review of the planning decision. But Mr Justice Lewis ruled a review was unnecessary, because the council and university had volunteered to complete a retrospective “environmental impact assessment” (EIA).

Save Port Meadow spokesman Toby Porters said: “What they built is inappropriate, over-sized and a disgrace. [We] expect to see a meaningful mitigation result from the EIA and not be fobbed off.”

Oxford University spokes-man Stephen Rouse said: “This issue is addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment, which will be brought forward.”


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