Fears North Oxford could become 'great modern fortress'

Property developer Cantay Estates sought permission from the city council to build a three-storey building, which will include six one-bedroom flats, and their plans were approved on May 23 by the planning committee.

Before the proposal came under consideration, Summertown householders expressed concerns the proposal was “overdeveloped” for the location in Stratfield Road and would set a “worrying precedent for future developments in this residential area of largely Victorian and Edwardian houses”.

A proposal for flats in North Oxford has been approved (Image: Google Maps)

Cantay Estates’ proposal was previously refused on May 24 last year and Professor Christopher Danziger, who teaches European history at Oxford University, told the Oxford Mail he was worried that developers were managing to push proposals through by only making “small tweaks” after they had been refused.

He said: “Planners are managing to push through plans by making small tweaks and despite plans having appeals by numerous neighbours.

“We do not want the area to become a great modern brick fortress or for buildings to be approved which are out of proportion with the area both in terms of height and building content.”

Prof Danziger has lived in the area for forty-five years and said some of the changes had been “exciting” but it was also “challenging” to see how the area has changed over time.

City councillor Katherine Miles, who represents the Summertown ward, said the decision to approve the proposal was “disappointing”, as it was not in keeping with the “look and feel of the area”.

She said: “I agree with residents the design is not in line with the look and feel of Stratfield Road.

“Residents generally support the need for the development of housing in North Oxford, but it is a matter of the look and feel of the housing development and whether it is in keeping with the area.”

Ms Miles said the local plan update process was an opportunity for “residents to express their concerns and feelings around the planning policies that govern these decisions”.

The Summertown councillor committed to feeding into the local plan process and said that what was most important was building housing which was designed well and was of a high standard.

She said: “We need to ensure that any development is of high quality in terms of design and architecture.

“But of course, it is also important we create new housing in the city which adds to the look and the feel of the area rather than detracting from it.”

The proposal was rejected previously due to concerns about the development’s impact on neighbours’ privacy but this time round planning officers said “reasons for objection do not amount, individually or cumulatively, to a reason for refusal and that all the issues that have been raised have been adequately addressed”.

Cantay Estates has been approached for comment.