Congregation's decision on Castle Mill flats by Port Meadow goes to postal vote

Critics say the blocks are a blight on views of Oxford’s historic skyline and a report commissioned by the university found that some 22 views had been damaged by them.

On Tuesday a motion to take the top floor off six of the eight Roger Dudman Way buildings was thrown out by a margin of 326 votes, at a meeting of almost 750 members in the Sheldonian Theatre.

But the parliament – called the Congregation - is comprised of about 4,500 senior figures from the university, most of whom were not present.

The motion to reduce the flats in height was put forward by TV historian and Professor of the History of the Church, Diarmaid MacCulloch and was backed by a group of heavyweight academics, as well as the Save Port Meadow campaign.

Prof MacCulloch and his allies have now called the motion to a postal ballot, according to the Oxford University Students’ Union (OUSU). The union had voiced strong opposition to removing the top floor from the flats.

It said: “The officers at OUSU are disappointed that following a resoundingly clear decision from Congregation to prioritise student welfare and the wider Oxford community over aesthetics, a postal vote has been called.

“The decision taken by a small but sufficient number of people to unnecessarily bring the decision made on Tuesday into question serves as another threat to residents of Castle Mill, students, and other people living in Oxford who will be hit with further rent spikes if this resolution passes.

“OUSU will be continuing to campaign to save much needed accommodation for students, especially families and disabled students, from a minority of voices.”

Our top stories

Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.