The recent belated Environmental Impact Assessment, commissioned by Oxford University admits that Port Meadow is an “exceptional” asset for the city. It is also historic. The 500 acres of open common land were the basis for the first town guild, the Portmanmoot.

No wonder there has been such outrage at the ugly and disproportionate buildings that the university has built, towering over the meadow. These buildings are so massive that they can be clearly seen from Wolvercote, the other end of the meadow three miles away.

The university claims that it has exceptional reason to justify what has been acknowledged by ministers and residents alike to be buildings that are excruciatingly badly designed and out of context with the sensitive area of special environmental status.

The university’s justification is their “identified need for student rooms”. Why then did the council report on the permitted numbers for students in the community conclude that the university was well below the quota of 3,000 students living in the community that it is allowed?

Why then are some colleges letting out student rooms to temporary residents and visitors, during term time? Why do we hear of empty rooms in student residences?

During my time as councillor I was sorry that others on the planning committee were persuaded by Brookes officials that Brookes University needed accommodation so much that a site on London Road designated for affordable housing was given to the university instead.

Not much later, the same officials explained that they now had enough student accommodation in the pipeline and could sell one of their residences on Pullens Lane to a language school.

The city needs to take a tougher stance on these money-making institutions and demand, at the very least, the third option, the flattening of those high gabled roofs and the lowering by one floor.

People have until December 18 to look up the consultation via planning@oxford.gov.uk, reference 11/02881/FUL to comment.

Nuala Young Tree Lane Oxford