LAST Wednesday, February 8, you published a very balanced view of arguments for and against the proposed scheme for “Smart Homes” at William Morris Close, Cowley. This planning application was duly refused at Wednesday’s East Area Planning Committee. There seems to be misunderstanding by some of your correspondents over the objections to this application. Residents objected, not because the development would be “in their back yard”, but because we are trying to retain this sports field as open space for all to enjoy. We have fought long and hard over the past four years to defeat every planning application proposed for this site, as they have all been contrary to Local and National Planning Policies.

In Oxford City Council’s Local Plan this site is formally designated as Protected Open Space. Disregarding Planning Policy for one application would set a dangerous precedent. Temple Cowley is extremely deficient in leisure facilities and open space. We have lost the adjoining Lord Nuffield Sports Club – this is now Tyndale School – and we have lost the much loved and much used Temple Cowley Pools and Gym. Retaining this land as an open sports field, which is what it used to be until fenced off by the present owners, would benefit the whole community, a stance backed by Sport England.

As you quoted me in Wednesday’s article, although there is unmet housing need within Oxford, this cannot override all other considerations. “Smart Housing” offers a possible solution to the chronic shortage of housing in Oxford, especially affordable housing to buy or rent, but there will be other sites around Oxford where this proposal could be implemented without breaching Planning Policy. William Morris Close is not the right site. Once this open space is lost we will never regain it. 

JUDITH HARLEY
Planning Representative for Old Temple Cowley Residents’ Association, 
Temple Road, Cowley