Judicial review on Port Meadow
25th April 2013 / / Comments Off on Judicial review on Port Meadow
25th April 2013
Today we can confirm that we will formally seek a Judicial Review of the University accommodation development at Port Meadow.
CPRE is challenging Oxford City Council’s decision to grant planning permission to the development without a proper Environmental Impact Assessment.
Brian Wood, Chairman of CPRE Oxfordshire, said: “This development has had a devastating impact on the historic landscape of Port Meadow. We have given the University every opportunity to re-consider and voluntarily lower the height of the buildings. We have given the City Council every opportunity to use their powers to suspend or revoke the planning permission whilst an Environmental Impact Assessment is considered. Neither institution seems willing to take any responsibility for this disgraceful situation. The approach seems to be to keep stalling until the building is completed and presented to local people as a fait accompli.”
“That is just not good enough for a City that should be leading the way on protecting and enhancing its environmental heritage rather than giving the world the impression we don’t care.
“Legal advice we have received suggests that, however unintentionally, City Council planners may have acted unlawfully at key moments in this planning process. With reluctance, CPRE Oxfordshire has therefore instructed a solicitor to seek a Judicial Review of the planning decision on our behalf.”
As a charity with limited resources, taking on two such major institutions as the City Council and the University will not be easy. Together with the Campaign to Save Port Meadow community group, We are launching a fundraising appeal to help cover the legal costs involved in the campaign.
CPRE Oxfordshire Branch Director Helen Marshall said: “Our message to the people of Oxfordshire is that it is not too late. If you feel passionately, like we do, that Port Meadow should be protected for future generations, please support our fundraising appeal and add your voice to the campaign.”
Please support our campaign
Donate online at www.justgiving.com/portmeadow, or donate by text PTMW99 £10 to 70070 to give £10, or download and use the donation form below. Or call CPRE Oxfordshire on 01865 874780 to pledge your support.
More information from: Sietske Boeles, Chairman, CPRE Oxford, phone 01865 728153, email boeles.rowland@ntlworld.com