Residents are raising concerns over Oxford University’s new lab plans, citing potential environmental and community impacts that need addressing.
Oxford: There’s some buzz around a new lab being planned at the University of Oxford’s Old Road Campus in Headington. But not everyone is on board with the idea.
The proposal includes a substation, cycle storage, and some landscaping. Sounds good, right? Well, local groups like the Headington Heritage and Highfields Residents Association are raising red flags.
They argue that the development could increase flood risks in Cowley Marsh and harm the nearby Lye Valley South Fen, which is a protected area. They’re worried about erosion and how this could affect local wildlife.
One resident, William Marx, pointed out that the height of the building might block views and let too much light spill into nearby homes. He’s also concerned about protecting mature trees in the area.
Thames Valley Police have jumped in too, saying the building could get crowded, especially with a lecture theatre that seats over 100 people. They want to ensure safety measures are in place before moving forward.
Despite the objections, the planning statement claims the project aligns with local and national policies. Back in 2013, the campus got the green light for a big research space, so it seems like they’re just following through on that.
It’s a mixed bag of opinions, really. While some folks see the potential for a research center focused on pandemic sciences, others are worried about how it’ll impact their neighborhood.
