Sir – A lot has been said in these pages about Oxford University’s development at Castle Mill. In this discussion the voice of local residents is being heard, as well as the voice of the University which is putting great store in the supposed ‘economic’ benefits of the development.

 

The University’s argument is that, whilst they acknowledge the significant harm caused to four heritage sites, this is justified because of the economic benefits that the student accommodation brings to the city. 

 

In this debate the voice of tourism businesses has been absent but it strikes me that there are two important things that Oxford tourism businesses can add:

 

1: The development, as it stands, is having a negative impact on visitors’ experience of Oxford. We take one or more tour groups to Port Meadow every day during the season. Until the Castle Mill flats were built visitors reaction to Port Meadow was that it was exceptionally beautiful and unspoilt. That it represented the best of Oxford. Visitors still see the beauty in parts of the meadows but without exception notice and comment upon how hideously ugly these buildings are and their impression of Oxford as a city which cherishes and protects its heritage is greatly diminished.

 

2: There is a risk of a dangerous precedent being established. In defence of the development the University has put forward the argument that the severe damage to four Oxford heritage sites is justified by the economic benefits of 38 rooms of student accommodation.

 

To my mind this argument cannot go unchallenged by the Oxford tourism industry. If we accept that Oxford’s heritage can be severely damaged for such modest economic benefits we risk allowing a precedent which could ultimately do severe damage to Oxford’s tourism industry and consequently have severely negative economic consequences.

 

Giles Dobson, Director, Oxford River Cruises Ltd