‘Campaign on St Clement’s plan goes on’ (From Oxford Mail)

‘Campaign on St Clement’s plan goes on’

9:30am Monday 1st October 2012 in Oxford

OPPONENTS of a scheme to build 140 student rooms above St Clement’s car park have said they will take their fight to a higher power.

The plans from developer Watkin Jones were approved by Oxford City Council ’s planning review committee on Friday night.

But campaigners, who say traders will lose business as a result of the loss of parking spaces during the works, plan to mount a judicial review to try to overturn the council's decision.

The flats will mean 35 parking spaces will be lost in the 115-space council-owned car park.

During construction, a minimum of 25 parking spaces will be open.

Business owner Clinton Pugh said: “We will try to take this to judicial review. We don’t think it’s the right decision and we are going to put the processes in place.”

Committee chairman Antonia Bance said: “I am sure they will use whatever legal means they have at their disposal.

“But I feel the committee considered the issues carefully and extensively and came to a considered decision.

“I hope we can work together to minimise the disruption for residents and to ensure as much parking provision is available during the development.”

Watkin Jones changed its plans for a four-block 140-room student housing development to include a “phased approach” to building work, so the car park would stay open during the project.