Sir – Who advises Oxford University on their PR? And how much do they spend on it? After the recent stumbling utterances of professors James and Mapstone in these pages defending the indefensible damage their buildings have caused to Port Meadow, they could’t be doing a worse job. If the University would like to get in touch, I’ll do the contract at half the price.
Here’s some pro bono advice for the University to be getting on with. The story here is the adverse impact done to Port Meadow and Oxford’s heritage, clearly laid out in your Environmental Statement, as a result of your bad design, flawed consultation, and admittedly, gross errors by the city council planning department. It is not about the cost to you of losing 38 rooms, or where you might put 300 students temporarily.
Arguing that it is, a wealthy institution with £3bn in the bank, just makes you look ridiculous and out of touch. The cost to Oxford University’s name and reputation already far exceeds the cost of taking one floor off, which is your Option 3. This story has already travelled internationally. Penny wise, pound foolish. If you want this to go away, bite the bullet, bring forward Option 3 to the city council, and get on with it.
Cathy Anderson, London
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