Regarding Oxford views (April 10), almost all visitors who wish to enjoy Oxford’s skyline and setting and its world-famous buildings do so by paying to climb up six of them – St George’s Tower, Castle Mound, St Martin’s (Carfax), St Michael-at-the-Northgate, the Sheldonian and St Mary’s.
The 360-degree views vary, each offering qualities that contribute to or detract from the setting of Oxford and its multitude of historic buildings.
Patients who enjoy views over Oxford from the JR Hospital probably get better sooner; but for the city’s visitors the bulky white buildings detract from the setting of Oxford and of many key buildings (eg as the backdrop to the Radcliffe Camera and All Souls as seen from St Martin’s).
It remains a constant reminder of the harm that can be done to the sensitivity and complexity of these views.
The University’s recent demolition of the Bio-chemistry Tower is a welcome improvement, and the Vale included the issue as one of the reasons for refusing the over-large Botley Centre.
But Oxford City Council has yet to take on board properly the importance of views from key historic buildings: although recognised as valuable, there is no detailed analysis in the recent view review; the issue was left un-assessed for the Northern Gateway Plan; and despite the Port Meadow flats fiasco, policy priorities remain unreviewed.
It is the green belt and the ‘setting’ not merely”views of” Oxford’s listed buildings and conservation areas that bylaw and national policy carry ‘great weight’.
GEORGE LAMBRICK
The Ridgeway
Boars Hill
Oxford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here