Sir – On behalf on behalf of local residents I welcome the decision of the east area committee to reject Oriel College’s application to build three-storey student accommodation blocks in Bartlemas Conservation Area.
This conservation area in Cowley Road is the site of the 12th-century Leper Hospital which was located in an isolated setting outside the medieval city of Oxford to protect its citizens from contagion.
The 14th-century chapel built for the hospital and two 16th-century houses remain, in what is still an isolated and rural setting. Oriel’s development would, in one fell swoop, have ruined this historic part of Oxford’s heritage. The application was opposed by English Heritage, Oxford Civic Society, Oxford Preservation Trust and local residents. We want this site to be developed, but new buildings must be of a scale and size that preserves the character and appearance of the conservation area. I hope that Oriel College will now come forward with new plans that meet these criteria.
Peter Coggins, Chairman, Divinity Road Area Residents’ Association
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