Port Meadow comprises 400 acres of common land within the Oxford ring road.
It is a Scheduled National Monument (rated above an SSSI) and is a spiritual and environmental haven which has been used by the people of Oxford for centuries.
It's place of outstanding beauty, greatly valued by all residents of Oxford, and is particularly noted for its open aspect. Up to now, its views have been sensitively protected.
But now the people who should have been protecting it on our behalf (Oxford City Council) have damaged views by allowing the building of a series of massive blocks around the perimeter of the south east corner of Port Meadow. The historic 'dreaming spire' view from the Meadow of the grade 2* listed St Barnabas Church tower has been all but obliterated from sight. Previously, when Waterways was developed close to the perimeter of Port Meadow, care was specifically taken to protect the view from Port Meadow from this destructive type of massing. The current build completely changes the character of the Meadow.
for images see: www.portmeadow.org/damaged_views
Given that:
1. Oxford City Chief Planning Officer signed a form saying no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was needed as Port Meadow is "not a sensitive area and mitigation can be provided"
2. No detailed landscaping/mitigation has been proposed.
3. Oxford City Council failed to consult widely about this.
We ask that you sign our petition to request:
• A retrospective EIA is urgently carried out now and recommendations made which the City Council would have to ensure are carried out.
• Details of landscaping should be agreed which would hide the buildings in summer and soften their impact in winter.
• Oxford City Council should be given training in proper consultation, and how to carry it out effectively.
