TWO new student accommodation blocks could be built in Old Headington.

The University of West London bought the Ruskin College site last year and now wants to create two new buildings for its students. 

The plans, which were submitted to Oxford City Council, the planning authority, include demolishing the existing Bowen Building which currently has 24 bedrooms and replacing it with a new student accommodation providing 65 bedrooms.

A second 30-bedroom building has also been proposed to the east of the site in an area of open garden space and would be between two and three storeys in height.

There are also two Grade II Listed buildings already on the site: Ruskin Hall, formerly known as The Rookery and the Wall of Ruskin College, the garden walls to the north of the hall.

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A planning statement prepared by Vail Williams on behalf of the university said: “These development proposals are being sought as part of the university’s strategy to re-energise and to build a mixed institution providing higher and further education opportunities.”

Cyclox objected to the application saying ‘it does not sufficiently prioritise cycling’ in respect to cycle storage per bedroom and visitor cycle parking, adding: “This site is well-suited for cycle travel to local facilities, libraries, the JR, Oxford centre and Thornhill P&R bus service to London.

“Students and staff should be able to choose a cycling option for these destinations. The applicant proposes half of what the policy requires as a minimum standard.”

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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