Uni wins fight to revamp site (From thisisoxfordshire)

Uni wins fight to revamp site

7:30am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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A CONTROVERSIAL £132m revamp of Oxford Brookes University’s Headington Campus was given the go-ahead last night.

Councillors voted 24 to 10 in favour of the Gipsy Lane site redevelopment at a full council meeting in the Town Hall.

Campaigners have been fighting the scheme, which would provide a new home for the university’s library, computer centre, lecture theatres and students’ union.

But last night they accepted the battle was over.

Neighbours opposed to the four-storey structure raised concerns about its size and proximity to nearby houses during the meeting.

There were also fears it would put pressure on what they claimed was an antiquated sewerage system.

Colin Rosser, a member of Headington Hill Residents’ Association, said: “We know from the ongoing crisis with sewers, not to mention additional noise, traffic and light pollution, that the infrastructure is hardly able to bear this kind of overbuilding.

“We have come to the end of the road now after 15 months of fighting. I think a lot of people will be depressed when they hear this.”

It is the second time the plan has gone before the full council.

The first application, in June was approved by the strategic development control committee (SDCC).

But councillors turned it had been turned down in September following concerns about its size.

The university scaled down and resubmitted plans in December.

The height of the library was reduced from five storeys with a basement, to four storeys with a larger underground section, which cut three metres off the height.

These were initially approved by the council, but councillors once again called in the plan.

Last night, Oxford Brookes said it was delighted by the decision.

Vice-chancellor Professor Janet Beer said: “This development will provide generations of students with inspirational teaching and learning spaces.

“Oxford Brookes makes a huge contribution to the economic well-being of the city and the region – we add £1m a day to the local and national economy. These facilities are essential to the continued success of the university.”