Councillors Elizabeth Wade and John Howson are right to express concern about delays in Network Rail’s planning application for their new bridge and ramps from Aristotle Lane to Port Meadow.

But they are sniping at the wrong target.

Network Rail has indeed held appropriate public consultation meetings.

Despite the direct impact on Port Meadow, its original application stated that there were no trees, no sensitive wildlife and no flooding nearby.

There are more than 30 trees, and Port Meadow, SSSI, SAC and Common Land.

Most of the subsequent delays have been to obtain and discuss reports which should have been provided with the original application last summer.

Views from Port Meadow are important.

Unless Oxford City Council acts responsibly, the direct impact of modifications to the western ramp is likely to have repercussions on Port Meadow like those caused by the Castle Mill Flats.

The details are too important to be left to arbitrary decisions by a sub-contractor, unfamiliar with the area, at the time.

Network Rail’s application needs a series of conditions. The political parties should bury the hatchet and work together to specify them.

For those with a long-term affinity with Port Meadow, and local allotment-holders, the optimal determination of this complex application is more important than six months delay in providing extra play space for schoolchildren for a few minutes a day during term time.

DR TIM KING
Kingston Road
Oxford