Please do put in comments on the proposed Templars Square re-development - PLANNING APPLICATION 16/03006/FUL emphasising the need for homes, not hotels. We neither want nor need another hotel in Oxford. The Cowley area needs social and keyworker housing. If people do put in comments they may also wish to consider the very poor cycle and pedestrian arrangements along Between Towns Road.

Whilst actual improvement of the area is desirable – such as good restaurants and obtaining a ‘café culture’ feel for more of the pedestrian areas - further increases in traffic need to be resisted.

The most positive way to do this is to ensure cycle routes are clearly marked through Between Towns Road and that pedestrian crossing routes to and from the John Allen Centre are improved.

The City Council should look at pedestrian bridge and tunnel options in this area as a part of achieving sustainable regeneration and creating an environment that is better for everyone moving on foot.

Hatched boxes on junctions to deter cars are needed to create larger spaces for pedestrians and to discourage through traffic.

Traffic statements for the proposed development do not take into account the implications of increased traffic in Between Towns Road for the neighbouring key roads including Oxford Road and Hollow Way.

This is a major omission and one which is symptomatic of under-assessment of traffic impacts of major developments in Oxford, including the Westgate shopping centre re-development.

Even minor increases in traffic in rush hours, occurring for example because of the withdrawal of subsidised bus services throughout the County, have the potential to gridlock this whole area unless vigorous efforts are made to reduce the traffic.

Yours sincerely

Dr Hazel Dawe

OXFORDSHIRE GREEN PARTY