Regarding last Wednesday’s issue (March 5): if anything is outrageous it’s the blinkered arrogance of Matthew Barber and a cabal at the Vale District Council.
Seacourt Hall, Library and Baptist Church could easily be replaced without a 5,000 sq m hypermarket, hotel, gym, cinema and, most bizarrely of all a 525-unit student hostel.
He makes a grudging acknowledgement of the disruption to the senior citizens of Field House, but no mention of the loss of the much-loved Elms Parade, the demolition of the vicarage, no mention of the huge adverse effects on nearby residents who will suffer from increased noise, air pollution, traffic, and the reduction of direct sunlight in winter to less than an hour a day.
The majority of Botley people don’t see the need for, and don’t want, this hugely oversized development. If Mr Barber cared to look at the Vale’s planning web pages, he could see the strength of opposition. The Doric planning application does not make sense, and should be refused if Mr Barber doesn’t wish to lose a Parliamentary seat for his party. The Doric plans are a combination of fantasy and venality that Walt Disney would have been proud of.
RAY CANTWELL West Way Botley
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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