Housing plan ‘goes against Olympic legacy’

9:30am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

Oxford City Council has been accused of ignoring the Olympic legacy by earmarking a large number of playing fields for development.

At yesterday’s hearing into the city council’s sites and housing plan, which sets aside 65 sites across Oxford for development, concern was raised about the loss of green spaces.

Speaking about the possibility of the Oxford University Press Sports Ground being developed, Angela Goff of Wolvercote Commoners, said: “It is contrary to the government’s support of the aims of the recent London 2012 Olympic Games – to inspire a generation.

“Opportunities to secure a replacement are very limited in Oxford and it is used almost on a daily basis.”

The sports ground at Jordan Hill, North Oxford, is earmarked for residential development and public open space.

Oxford University, which owns the site, said a small amount of OUP staff still used the ground and public use was “no longer viable”.

Barton Road Cricket Ground was another site which was considered yesterday by the planning inspector.

Speaking on behalf of Oxford City Council, Sarah Harrison said: “Our overall approach to green space has been to allocate it where it would bring benefits.”

Related links

Jesus College Sports Ground, Lincoln College Sports Ground and Rover Sports and Social Club will be considered today, as well as Temple Cowley Pools .

Comments (3)

10:11am Wed 19 Sep 12

Andrew:Oxford says...

Well, I suppose it meets the demands of the CPRE where "Brownfield" sites within the ringroad are built upon instead of "New Baldons" and "Greater Barton".

When are the Temple Cowley Pools due to be demolished? Given the state of them in the article last week, they should really be closed forthwith. Certainly before the end of November.
Well, I suppose it meets the demands of the CPRE where "Brownfield" sites within the ringroad are built upon instead of "New Baldons" and "Greater Barton". When are the Temple Cowley Pools due to be demolished? Given the state of them in the article last week, they should really be closed forthwith. Certainly before the end of November. Andrew:Oxford

11:36am Wed 19 Sep 12

King Joke says...

If you don't build on playing fields you'll have to build on other low-density low-efficiency sites. You can start with car parks in St Clements, Summertown and Headington.

The City Council has proposed this already. With every indication that young people are spending money on gadgets instead of cars, more people taking up cycling and people realising public transport works as a part of the Olympic legacy, demand for car parks will go down.
If you don't build on playing fields you'll have to build on other low-density low-efficiency sites. You can start with car parks in St Clements, Summertown and Headington. The City Council has proposed this already. With every indication that young people are spending money on gadgets instead of cars, more people taking up cycling and people realising public transport works as a part of the Olympic legacy, demand for car parks will go down. King Joke

3:08pm Wed 19 Sep 12

ger elttil OX2 0EJ says...

If we don't start building houses for the average person soon, we will need all the fields for the homeless to pitch their tents on.
If we don't start building houses for the average person soon, we will need all the fields for the homeless to pitch their tents on. ger elttil OX2 0EJ

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