University wants more rooms

The university wants to build 312 rooms at its Castle Mill halls in Roger Dudman Way, in the city centre, as part of a bid to reduce pressure on privately rented accommodation.

The university got Oxford City Council’s permission in 2002 for 354 rooms at the top of the road, which runs alongside Oxford Railway Station.

Some 127 units were completed in 2004, leaving 227 to be built.

But the university now wants to build 312 rooms over eight blocks, two four-storey and six eight-storey.

The university said it wanted the building to be more energy efficient than the one proposed in 2002.

Sound insulation and window design would be better, it added.

Its planning statement says: “The university has also recognised the need to seek to maximise the amount of accommodation it is able to provide for students on sites it develops.”

The university must not have more than 3,000 city students living in private rented accommodation under city council rules.

The council last month said it would investigate claims more students were privately renting than the 2,688 theuniversity said were.

University spokesman Matt Pickles said: “The Castle Mill development underlines the university’s commitment to provide sufficient accommodation to ensure that no more than 3,000 students occupy open market housing.”

The development borders Cripley Meadow Allotments.

Cripley Meadow Allotment Association chairman Wendy Skinner Smith said: “We have mixed feelings.

“It is very different when you have a green meadow next to them than a tall building. But we understand these students have to live somewhere.”

Water run-off from the development will be stored for use by plot holders.

It would have 360 cycle spaces and three disabled parking spaces.

The pedestrian and cycle route which runs along Roger Dudman Way from Botley Road would be closed during construction.

Residents expressed concerns to the university over this in a consultation meeting last month.