CALLS have been made for greater protection of Oxford’s famous views after the publication of a landmark study.

The new guidance issued this week sets out 10 recognised vistas and has been produced by Oxford Preservation Trust, English Heritage and Oxford City Council.

It is hoped it could help prevent another Castle Mill planning dispute, but some countryside campaigners said it is not enough.

The report also comes as the row rumbles on over the Castle Mill student flats in Roger Dudman Way, which campaigners say are a blight on views of Oxford from Port Meadow.

The city council remains locked in negotiations with Oxford University over how to reduce their impact, with proposals expected later this year.

Oxfordshire Preservation Trust director Debbie Dance said: “The report is designed to be a clear and concise tool for owners and developers to give a better understanding of their character and the effect that any suggested changes will have.”

She said she understood the study, in its draft form, had already been used in planning the £440 million redevelopment of the Westgate Centre.

Ms Dance added: “We will soon see that outcome. With pressures to develop elsewhere at Oxpens, which sits in front of the dreaming spires from the west, the study comes none to soon.”

The study, which was funded by English Heritage, looks at 10 recognised views of Oxford from the surrounding hills.

They include those from Boars Hill, Raleigh Park, the A34 at Hinksey Hill, Port Meadow, South Park, Headington Hill Allotments, Doris Field Memorial Park, Crescent Road, Rose Hill and from Elsfield.

The report claims to offer a new way of assessing views; detailing viewing spots and examining topography, unique features, the arc of views, framing by trees, historical value and the inspiration given to artists and poets. It assesses sensitivity to change, architecture, green characteristics, pylons and the influence of seasons.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said: “The View Cones report is designed to update the previous policy documentation, with the same objective of protecting views from the high points around the edge of the city.”

But the Campaign to Protect Rural England said protection for more than just 10 views was needed. Oxford chairman Sietske Boeles said: “It is critical that Oxford’s celebrated historic landscape settings, including its green backdrops, are included in any assessment of Oxford’s heritage views when reviewing planning applications.

“This review only looks at areas within the existing 10 views cones. Although welcome, it is far from complete and will not prevent a planning fiasco.”

She called on the city council to urgently bring forward a planned second phase study.